P&M Aviation Ltd. PULSR N415PM accident near Gulf Shores, Alabama

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a collision with the ground.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was conducting his first flight in the new light-sport weight-shift control aircraft, which he purchased about 1 month prior. During the takeoff roll, he inadvertently applied a right steering control input and then over-corrected to the left. The left wing contacted the ground, and the aircraft rolled over onto its left side, which resulted in substantial wing and fuselage damage. The pilot reported that he did not experience any preaccident malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. He further reported about 1,200 hours of total fight experience, which included about 1,000 hours in similar weight-shift control aircraft.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15CA188 for the full record.