Amateur-built AIR CAM 912S N220AC accident near West Palm Beach, Florida

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll on a runway 8L, a 3,679-foot by 75-foot, turf runway, as full power was applied, the airplane veered to the left off the runway, and the pilot attempted to arrest the turn by applying full right rudder. After liftoff, when the airplane was about 5 feet above ground level, the airplane turned to the right in response to the rudder input, and settled back onto the runway. The airplane then impacted the runway in a level right turn, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The wind reported at an airport 12 miles to the southeast of the accident location were variable from 040 degrees at 11 knots.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13CA277 for the full record.