Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while practicing a soft-field takeoff maneuver, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a hangar.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During a practice soft-field takeoff maneuver on a paved runway, the pilot “held the yoke fully back, ready to lower the nose when the nosewheel became airborne.” When he applied power, the airplane seemed to “take off vertically” and veer to the left. The pilot reduced power; however, the airplane veered to the left, travelled off the left side of the runway, and landed on the grass, then descended down an embankment and impacted a hangar. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions, failures or anomalies with the flight controls, brakes, or nosewheel steering, nor did the pilot report any.