Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecna P92 EAGLET N115TE accident near Stevensville, Maryland

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

The student pilot was on a solo training flight and was attempting to perform a simulated soft-field takeoff. While accelerating, the pilot "lost directional control due to improper use of [the rudder]." The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway, crossed a parallel taxiway, and collided with an embankment, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. When asked how the accident could have been prevented, the pilot stated, "…apply more right rudder immediately upon acceleration instead of trying to ease into it."

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14CA258 for the full record.