Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during an aborted formation takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he was departing from runway 17 about 75 yards behind another airplane in tandem formation. During the takeoff roll, the lead airplane aborted the takeoff. The second airplane was near rotation speed when the pilot aborted the takeoff as well. Wanting not to get too close to the lead airplane, he departed the runway off the left side. The airplane became airborne, stalled, and the left wing tip impacted the ground, spinning the airplane and resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot stated he was departing from runway 17 behind another airplane in tandem formation. During the take off roll, the lead airplane aborted the takeoff; they had about 75 yards of separation. His airplane was near rotation speed when he aborted the takeoff as well. Wanting not to get too close to the lead airplane, he departed the runway off the left side. The airplane became airborne, stalled, and the left wing tip impacted the ground, spinning the airplane, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage.