Amateur-built MAGNUM N3062B accident near Frederick, Maryland

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s and instructor’s lack of experience in the make and model of the airplane.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was receiving instruction in his newly purchased experimental amateur-built airplane to meet insurance requirements. The instructor with whom he was flying had no experience in the accident airplane make/model before the day of the accident. While departing on the second flight of the day, the pilot applied engine power for takeoff. The instructor recalled that the initial takeoff roll was normal. As the tail lifted off and the pilot advanced the throttle fully forward, the airplane swerved toward the left. The pilot applied right rudder; the airplane corrected to the right but continued toward the right uncontrollably. The pilot pushed on the throttle and attempted to initiate a climb.

As the airplane crossed over the right edge of the runway, it was “barely airborne,” and the pilot attempted to avoid construction equipment ahead; however, the controls were “mushy” and the airplane “would not respond properly to control inputs.” The tailwheel struck the construction equipment, the airplane nosed over, impacted a small hill, and sustained substantial damage to the right wing, rudder, and vertical stabilizer. Examination of the airplane found no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation before the accident.

Due to the pilot’s unfamiliarity with the vernier-type throttle control, he was unsure if he had advanced the throttle fully forward at the start of the takeoff roll. However, if he had not pushed the throttle to its maximum, that alone should not have affected his ability to control the airplane laterally during the takeoff roll. If the throttle was not fully forward, and the pilot had maintained directional control, the airplane likely would have lifted off normally after an increased ground roll.

Based on the instructor’s description of the “mushy” and unresponsive controls at that time and the witness’ description of the airplane appearing to be in “steep climb” as it lifted off, the airplane was likely at or near its minimum controllable airspeed and at a relatively high pitch attitude when it departed the runway. The pilot’s lack of experience with the airplane and his decision to obtain training from an instructor who was also unfamiliar with the airplane likely contributed to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA19LA187 for the full record.