Evektor-Aerotechnik As Sportstar Plus N617EV accident near Erie, Colorado

Probable cause

The student pilot’s improper performance of a soft field takeoff procedure, which resulted in a loss of airplane control, and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action to correct the situation.

NTSB analysis

After the student pilot rotated the airplane for a simulated soft field takeoff, it began to drift to the right side of the runway and was slow to gain airspeed. He lowered the nose in an attempt to increase airspeed, but the airplane continued to drift to the right. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and pulled back on the control yoke to climb in an attempt to clear a house adjacent to the runway. The right wing clipped the roof and the airplane descended, impacted the driveway, slid across the street, and struck a stop sign. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12CA370 for the full record.