Amateur-built Dragonfly Mark II N555RX accident near Las Vegas, Nevada

Probable cause

The CFI's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The certified flight instructor (CFI) requested to remain in the traffic pattern and received a clearance for takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the airplane veered off the runway into a dirt area adjacent to the pavement and collided with a runway light, sheering a portion of its canard. The airplane bounced down the surface, eventually becoming airborne, and reaching about 200 feet above ground level. The Air Traffic Controller advised the airplane to climb, as it was approaching power lines. The CFI configured the airplane in a right bank and it collided with a utility pole. This was the CFI's first experience in the accident make and model airplane and the CFI did not hold a current medical certificate. In a written statement, the student pilot who owned the airplane reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10LA040 for the full record.