Accident Overview
A weight-shift-control airplane experienced an accident during a local instructional flight. The instructor pilot reported that the flight was intended as a training session with a student. During the initial climb, the student, seated in the front seat, inadvertently restricted the weight-shift capability of the wing.
Incident Sequence
Due to the tandem seating arrangement, the instructor, seated behind the student, was unable to get the student's attention to release control. The instructor described the student as "younger and stronger" than himself. The airplane subsequently rolled and impacted hard on the grassy area adjacent to the runway.
Aircraft Damage
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the aircraft and noted substantial damage to the airframe's tubular structure and the wing. The instructor pilot stated that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane at the time of the accident.
Contributing Factors
No contributing factors or probable cause were identified in the source beyond the sequence of events described.