Evektor-Aerotechnik As SPORTSTAR PLUS N927LA accident near Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

According to the student pilot, he began the takeoff roll for his solo flight on runway 26, a 6,934-foot-long, 150-foot-wide, asphalt runway. When the airspeed reached about 40 knots, the airplane “got out of control” and veered to the left because the student pilot “overcompensated” with rudder. He attempted to regain control of the airplane by reducing engine power; however, the airplane lifted off the runway. The pilot then added full power; however, the airplane began to descend, and he realized that it would not clear a corn field located to the left of the runway. The pilot then elected to reduce engine power again. The airplane touched down in a field and struck a bale of hay, substantially damaging the left wing and fuselage. The pilot did not report any mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane. He noted that his total flight experience was 19 hours, all of which were in the same make and model as the accident airplane. The winds reported at the airport about the time of the accident were from 200 degrees at 7 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10CA413 for the full record.