Champion 7KCAB N998B accident near Benson, Arizona

Probable cause

The pilots’ failure to maintain control of the aircraft during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

After conducting an engine run-up and full-deflection flight control check before the flight, the flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction departed the runway on a local instructional flight in the tailwheel-equipped airplane. Just after takeoff the airplane began to drift right and then suddenly rolled sharply to the right. The airplane’s attitude was held briefly before the flight instructor took over the controls. The flight instructor discovered that the aileron controls were unresponsive. He immediately added left rudder and the wings leveled off. The airplane then started a left roll followed by a right roll. The airplane lost altitude and impacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported that the inflight event felt like they were in wake turbulence of a mountain rotor or vortex, or a dust devil.

Examination of the airplane’s flight controls did not reveal any anomalies. The reason for the loss of directional control after takeoff could not be determined.

Official weather reporting stations in the area showed no significant wind conditions at the time of the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA348 for the full record.