On 19 May 2016, a LUSCOMBE 8 A was involved in an aviation accident near BLUE BELL, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, which resulted in runway excursion, and collision with a ditch. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During an instructional checkout flight, a tailwheel-equipped airplane yawed right after the tailwheel came up on takeoff. The instructor took control but the airplane exited the runway and struck a ditch, resulting in substantial left wing damage.
Accident Details
During an instructional checkout flight, the pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that after the tailwheel came up during the takeoff roll, the airplane yawed to the right. The pilot further reported that the flight instructor took over the flight controls, but the airplane continued off the runway to the right and impacted a ditch.
Aircraft Condition
According to the flight instructor, there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
Contributing factors
Causes
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilotInstructor/check pilot