Cessna 140 N2809N accident near Prescott, Arizona

Probable cause

The pilot receiving instructions failure to maintain directional during the takeoff ground roll and the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, after the touch-and-go landing with a pilot receiving instruction at the flight controls, the flaps were retracted, and full power was applied. The pilot receiving instruction pushed the yoke forward to lift the tail, and the airplane veered to the left. The flight instructor assumed control of the airplane, “cut the power” and corrected with right rudder input. The airplane veered to the right and while he continued to apply corrective actions, the airplane collided with a taxiway sign. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR22LA234 for the full record.