Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control, resulting in an inadvertent groundloop. A factor was the instructor's inadequate supervision.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
As the student pilot initiated the takeoff roll on runway 22, the airplane groundlooped to the left. The flight instructor attempted an unsuccessful recovery and the airplane departed the runway and struck a ditch. Structural damage occurred to the right wing and gear. The wind was from 180 degrees at 10 knots. The pilot's report indicated that there were no mechanical malfunctions.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 15, 1995, at 1100 central daylight time, a Champion 7GC, N4842E, was substantially damaged during the takeoff roll at Paragould, Arkansas. The airline transport rated pilot/flight instructor and the student pilot did not receive injuries. The instructional flight was operated under Title 14 CFR Part 91 and originated in Jonesboro, Arkansas, at 0930. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed with winds from 180 degrees at 10 knots, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight instructor reported that as the student initiated the takeoff roll, the speed of the airplane increased, the tailwheel came off the runway, and the airplane "swang sharply to the left, like the left brake was pushed." The flight instructor reduced the power, brought the tailwheel back to the ground, and applied aft control stick. The airplane departed the left side of runway 22 and the right main wheel hit a ditch before the airplane came to rest. Structural damage occurred to the right wing, right main gear, and tail wheel. The enclosed Pilot/Operator report disclosed that the flight instructor had accumulated a total of five hours in this make and model. The report also indicated that there was no mechanical malfunctions. -