Accident Scenario
An instructional flight was conducted from a private grass runway measuring 2,200 feet in length and 80 feet in width. During the takeoff roll, the student pilot rotated the airplane with 10 degrees of flaps extended, as reported by the flight instructor. After rotation, the student pilot applied right aileron instead of right rudder. This control input caused the airplane to slip to the right, and the right wing dropped. The airplane then pitched up and entered an aerodynamic stall. Subsequently, the airplane pitched nose-down.
Pilot Actions
The flight instructor attempted to correct the situation by applying left aileron, rudder, and elevator inputs. Despite these efforts, the airplane struck the ground with the left wingtip and the nose, approximately 60 yards beyond the departure end of the runway. The airplane then nosed over. Neither the student pilot nor the flight instructor sustained injuries.
Aircraft Damage
A postaccident examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage during the event.
Environmental Conditions
At the time of the accident, the prevailing winds in the area were shifting from a crosswind to a right quartering tailwind.
Instructor Statement
The flight instructor advised the National Transportation Safety Board that he "should have taken control sooner."