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Tailwheel-Equipped Airplane Yaws Right During Takeoff Roll, Impacts Ditch

BLUE BELL, PA, United States

On May 19, 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.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

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

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 May 2016 LUSCOMBE 8 A accident near BLUE BELL, PA?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 May 2016 LUSCOMBE 8 A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 May 2016 involved a LUSCOMBE 8 A, at BLUE BELL, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

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