Evolution Aircraft Inc REVOLT N672BB accident near Peyton, Colorado

Probable cause

The flight instructor’s inadequate supervision of the student pilot, which resulted in the loss of control during a rejected takeoff.

NTSB analysis

According to the flight instructor, the student pilot aligned the weight-shift control trike with the runway centerline and began the takeoff roll. As the speed increased, the student pilot began moving the control bar forward to the liftoff position. It was then that something did not seem right. The flight instructor directed the student pilot to reduce engine power and reject the takeoff. It was then that the aircraft made a “snap” turn to the right and rolled onto its left side damaging the left wing.

The flight instructor stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with respect to the aircraft before the accident. He noted that the student pilot may have inadvertently had pressure against the left pedal which caused the snap turn to the right when he reduced throttle, which was on the left. The flight instructor stated further that if the student pilot had been instructed to reduce engine power slowly while maintaining the runway centerline, the accident might have been prevented.

The aircraft flight manual noted that, with respect to ground handling, left pedal pressure corresponded to right taxi steering. Similarly, right pedal pressure corresponded to left taxi steering.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA243 for the full record.