Amateur-built KITFOX III N947RG accident near Terlingua, Texas

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control on takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings on a dirt strip in his single-engine experimental light sport aircraft when he decided to make a full-stop landing and taxi back for another takeoff. While on the takeoff roll at a high rate of speed, and before the tail was raised, the nose of the airplane veered to the left and the pilot used the right rudder pedal to maintain directional control but accidentally hit the toe brake. As a result, the airplane turned about 110 degrees to the right and collided with the ground and scrub brush before it came up on its nose. The wooden propeller was shattered and a portion of the airframe and both wings were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA165 for the full record.