Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's improper release of the throttle and failure to maintain lateral control during takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that his memory of the accident was "spotty." He added that, during takeoff, the weight-shift-control aircraft climbed to about 30 ft and that his foot slipped off the throttle pedal. The aircraft dove toward the ground in a left bank and impacted terrain. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to both wings.
Source record
Factual narrative
***This report was modified on January 9, 2020. Please see the docket for this accident to view the original report.*** The student pilot reported that his memory of the accident was spotty. He added that, during takeoff, the weight shift control aircraft climbed to about 30 ft and his foot slipped off the throttle pedal. The aircraft dove toward the ground in a left bank and impacted terrain. Two witnesses reported observing the accident from the airport fuel pumps. One witness reported that, during takeoff, once off the ground, the weight shift control aircraft drifted to the left off the runway. It appeared that the student pilot was correcting and drifted back toward the runway. Suddenly, the left wing struck the ground and the aircraft impacted terrain. The second witness reported that the aircraft touched down and flip over. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to both wings. The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about 5 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 030° at 5 knots. The student pilot was departing on runway 02.