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Student Pilot's Rudder Input Leads to Loss of Control During Initial Takeoff Climb (N806EV)

Maple Lake, MN, US

On September 30, 2007, an Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR-EVEKTOR (registration N806EV) operated by Wright Aero Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Maple Lake, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to relinquish the flight controls and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision which resulted in the certified flight instructor not being able to maintain directional control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot with one hour of flight time experienced a loss of control during takeoff when the aircraft yawed left, and the student's subsequent right rudder input caused the airplane to impact terrain.

Accident Details

During initial takeoff climb, the airplane sustained substantial damage after impacting terrain. The flight was a second instructional flight for a student pilot who had accumulated a total of one hour of flight time. The student was attempting the first takeoff of that flight.

Flight Instructor's Report

The certified flight instructor (CFI) reported that after becoming airborne, the airplane "yawed hard to the left" at approximately 20 to 30 feet above ground level. The CFI took control of the aircraft. However, the student pilot then pushed hard on the right rudder pedal while attempting to push himself back into his seat. This input caused the airplane to lose altitude.

Impact and Egress

The airplane impacted a ravine on the right side of the runway in a level attitude, perpendicular to the runway. After the airplane nosed over, both the CFI and the student pilot exited through the broken canopy.

Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Sept 2007 Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR-EVEKTOR accident near Maple Lake, MN?

A student pilot with one hour of flight time experienced a loss of control during takeoff when the aircraft yawed left, and the student's subsequent right rudder input caused the airplane to impact terrain.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Sept 2007 Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR-EVEKTOR accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Sept 2007 involved an Aerotechnik SPORTSTAR-EVEKTOR, registration N806EV, operated by Wright Aero Inc., at Maple Lake, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to relinquish the flight controls and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision which resulted in the certified flight instructor not being able to maintain directional control. Contributing factors included the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control and the student…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071108X01769. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.