Accident Sequence
On the takeoff roll from Runway 32, the student pilot at the controls of the tailwheel-equipped vintage airplane experienced a loss of control. According to the 1,278-hour flight instructor, a gust of wind caused the airplane to veer to the right. The student pilot responded by applying left rudder. When the gust dissipated, the left rudder input became excessive.
The flight instructor reported that he took control as the airplane was departing the left side of the runway in an attempt to recover. However, the student pilot closed the throttle, which reduced the airplane's rudder authority. The airplane subsequently impacted a 3-foot berm located just short of the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) for Runway 32.
Conditions and Reports
Wind conditions at an airport 6 nautical miles east of the accident site were reported as 030 degrees at 15 knots around the time of the mishap. The flight instructor reported winds between 8 and 15 knots. Runway 32 is 3,740 feet long and 60 feet wide. The flight instructor had accumulated 520 hours in the same make and model of airplane.