Varga Aircraft Corp. 2150A N5062V accident near Frostproof, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff, resulting in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was attempting to take off from a private turf runway, utilizing a soft-field takeoff technique. The pilot reported that upon rotation, the left wing started to drop, and the airplane drifted left of the runway center line. He applied additional right rudder and aileron inputs but was unable to correct the left drift. Having concerns about clearing an obstacle at the end of the runway, the pilot aborted the takeoff due to the airplane not climbing as expected. The left main landing gear impacted the ground, and the left wing impacted a fence off the left side of the runway. The airplane came to rest upright after pivoting 180º, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot stated there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA080 for the full record.