Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that, during an instructional flight, when the tailwheel-equipped airplane was at rotation for takeoff, it sharply veered to the left. When safe flight was not assured, the flight instructor took over control from the student pilot, and subsequently the airplane exited the runway into the adjacent grassy area.
Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the fuselage.
The flight instructor reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA403 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 6, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Grand Island, Nebraska
- Nearest airport
- Central Nebraska Regional Airp (GRI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Luscombe 8
- N-number
- N45609
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.