Amateur-built KITFOX S7 SUPERSPORT N98RW accident near Kilgore, Idaho

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the separation of the control stick grip.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the takeoff roll on a dirt road, he realized he had not reset the pitch trim until he was applying control inputs to lift the tail up. As he applied back-pressure to the control stick to get the airplane airborne, the control stick grip slipped off, and he lost control of the airplane. The airplane then veered to the right, and despite his attempts, he was unable to regain control of the airplane. Subsequently, the airplane exited the road surface, and the left wing impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no additional preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR26LA029 for the full record.