MOYES DRAGONFLY N286A accident near Melfa, Virginia

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain roll control during the initial takeoff and his decision to take off with only partial power applied.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he initiated the takeoff and that, as soon as the airplane lifted off, it banked sharply left and then impacted the edge of the runway in a "slightly nose-down, left banking attitude." Opposite flight control inputs had no effect. Wind conditions were variable at less than 4 knots. Examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. An attachment tube for the right aileron was found broken, and an examination of the tube revealed evidence of overstress, likely as a result of the crash. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the passenger did not have hearing protection with her, so the pilot initiated the takeoff with about 2/3 of power applied.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14LA302 for the full record.