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Aircraft Veers Left During Takeoff Roll and Collides with Fence During Instructional Flight (N7615Z)

Marfa, TX, US

On May 3, 1982, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N7615Z) operated by Danny Nunn was involved in an aviation accident near Marfa, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a dual instructional flight, an aircraft veered left on takeoff roll. The instructor overcame the student's rudder input but could not counter the aft stick pressure. The aircraft lifted off, settled back in a three-point attitude, and collided with a fence. The student stated he did not hear the instruction to lower the nose.

Incident Details

During the takeoff roll for a dual instructional flight, the aircraft began to veer to the left. The instructor was able to overpower the student's input on the rudder pedals. However, the instructor could not overcome the aft stick pressure being applied by the student. The aircraft lifted off the runway, then settled back down in a three-point attitude. It subsequently collided with a fence.

Pilot Statements

The student pilot reported that he did not hear the instructor's direction to lower the nose of the aircraft. No further details were provided regarding the communication between the two pilots.

Outcome

The aircraft sustained damage from the collision with the fence. No information is available regarding injuries or the extent of damage to the aircraft.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03249. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.