Accident Overview
An airplane engaged in a local instructional flight was substantially damaged when it struck terrain after departing from runway 12. The accident occurred during the initial phase of the flight.
Reports from Crew
The flight instructor stated that after takeoff, the airplane "did not want to climb out of ground effect." He further reported that pulling back on the elevator was met with resistance, preventing full stick travel. Approximately 1,000 feet down the runway, the dual student applied excessive left rudder, causing a skidding left turn. The instructor noted the airplane's heading at that point was about 30 degrees from the runway heading. He was unable to increase elevator travel or correct the skid before impact.
The dual student reported that the takeoff rotation was normal. Afterward, the airplane "weathervaned" into the right crosswind. The student stated that he induced "cross controls" to maintain alignment with the runway centerline. During post-accident interviews with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors, the student explained that he used right rudder inputs to compensate for the right crosswind condition.
Post-Accident Inspection
FAA inspectors examined the accident site and the aircraft. They observed ruts in the grass leading to the wreckage, which departed the runway pavement about 850 feet from the takeoff end. The ruts were angled approximately 45 degrees relative to the runway centerline. An inspection of the aircraft confirmed elevator control continuity; no blockage or restriction of the elevator was found.
Weather Conditions
Winds at the time were reported from the south at 10 to 15 knots.