Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s improper flight control inputs and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action during takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight instructor and student pilot intended to complete a cross-country flight. During the takeoff roll, the student pilot pitched the nose up to 15° then lowered it to 5° upon request of the instructor. As the takeoff roll continued, the student abruptly applied right rudder and again increased the pitch attitude. The airplane veered to the right and became airborne off the right side of the runway. The instructor took control of the airplane as it began to stall about 20 ft. above ground level. The airplane bounced and the propeller struck the ground, then it porpoised, and came to rest in a field about 1,000 ft. from the runway. The landing gear collapsed, and the elevator sustained substantial damage. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.