Probable cause
The student pilot's improper takeoff procedure and the flight instructor's failure to take control of the airplane and abort the takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that the student pilot pushed the throttle about 3/4 of the way in during the takeoff roll, and did not add full power until about 1/2 way down the 1,500 foot grass airstrip. The airplane had not attained flying airspeed by the time it reached the end of the runway. The airplane became airborne, but it settled and impacted the terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and right wingtip. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14CA392 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 26, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Caputa, South Dakota
- Nearest airport
- Private Airstrip (XXX)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Bellanca 7GCBC
- N-number
- N5530K
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.