Accident Overview
A pilot was practicing soft field takeoff and landing techniques at a local airport in Jean, Nevada, after departing from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. During the first soft field takeoff, the pilot over-rotated the aircraft, causing the tail cone to contact the runway surface.
Distraction and Drift
The pilot reported being distracted by the tail dragging on the ground, which led to a loss of directional control. The aircraft began to drift toward the left side of the runway. In an attempt to correct the drift, the pilot applied right aileron.
Runway Excursion and Overturn
Despite the control input, the aircraft continued off the runway. It subsequently contacted an embankment and flipped over. The wind approximately 20 miles north-northeast of Las Vegas was reported from 080 degrees at 13 knots.
Operational Context
The flight was conducted between two airports in the local area: McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, and a smaller airport in Jean, Nevada. The purpose was to practice soft field takeoff and landing techniques, which require careful control inputs to avoid tail strikes and directional deviations.