Accident Details
A training flight involving a check-out for a pilot-receiving-instruction in a flying club airplane resulted in damage to the aircraft after a simulated soft-field takeoff intended to replicate high-altitude airport conditions. The flight had previously completed three uneventful takeoffs and landings before the maneuver was attempted.
Sequence of Events
The flight instructor directed the pilot-receiving-instruction to perform a simulated soft-field takeoff at 50 percent engine power, representing atmospheric conditions at a high-altitude airport. The pilot-receiving-instruction had no prior experience with this maneuver. Before the takeoff, both pilots agreed that the pilot-receiving-instruction would control the flight controls while the flight instructor would manage the throttle.
During the takeoff roll, shortly after becoming airborne and while still in ground effect, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall. The pilot-receiving-instruction reduced pitch to recover, but as the aircraft drifted to the right side of the runway, he increased yoke backpressure to remain airborne. This led to a second aerodynamic stall. The airplane then drifted left across the runway before landing along the left side of the runway. The flight was terminated following the landing.
Aircraft Damage
Inspection of the aircraft revealed damage to the tail skid, tail tie-down ring, left wingtip, nose, left main landing gear, and propeller. Further examination determined that the aft fuselage bulkhead had sustained substantial damage from the tail striking the runway.
Pilot and Instructor Reports
The pilot-receiving-instruction reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have prevented normal operation. The flight instructor stated that the engine power was set at 2,100 rpm to simulate the reduced power available at a high-altitude airport. He noted that the pilot-receiving-instruction made excessive pitch control inputs during the takeoff roll to keep the nose wheel off the runway, causing the airplane to veer right before liftoff and subsequently stall upon becoming airborne. The instructor also described the aircraft bouncing, drifting left, and landing along the left side of the runway.