Accident Details
On July 22, 2014, at approximately 1015 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca model 11AC airplane, registered as N4453P, was substantially damaged during takeoff from runway 18 at Dalton Airport (3DA) in Flushing, Michigan. Runway 18 is 2,510 feet long and 50 feet wide, with an asphalt surface. The airplane was operated by Father John 77 Flying Club under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 on a local instructional flight without a flight plan. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
Flight Crew and Sequence of Events
The private pilot receiving instruction was undergoing a flight check to satisfy the flying club's insurance currency requirements. He reported not having flown a tail wheel-equipped airplane since September 2013. During the takeoff roll, before the tail became airborne, the airplane suddenly entered a right swerve that the pilot could not correct with normal flight control and brake inputs. The flight instructor reduced engine power as the airplane departed the right side of the runway, subsequently colliding with a hangar structure located alongside the runway. The left wing and fuselage were substantially damaged.
Flight Instructor's Account
The flight instructor stated that the airplane entered a right swerve shortly after engine power was increased for the takeoff roll. When the pilot-receiving-instruction failed to regain directional control, the instructor—who did not have access to brake controls—applied additional engine power and left rudder input, but the swerve continued. He then reduced engine power, but the airplane continued off the right side of the runway and struck the hangar.
Postaccident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Inspector examined the airplane after the accident. The examination revealed no anomalies with the flight controls, brake system, or tail wheel assembly that would have prevented normal operation.
Meteorological Conditions
At 0953, the automated surface observing system (ASOS) at Bishop International Airport (FNT), approximately 6 miles southeast of the accident site, reported variable wind direction at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear sky, temperature 27°C, dew point 18°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.09 inches of mercury.