No fatalities

14 Feb 2017: BEECH A23 — 4 DAY FLIERS LLC. — Beckwourth, CA

Beckwourth, CA, United States
SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A solo student pilot reported that after a 45-day break due to weather, the airplane drifted left during a touch-and-go takeoff. Attempting correction with the control yoke instead of the rudder, the airplane impacted a snow bank, sustaining substantial damage.

Accident Details

A solo student pilot was conducting touch-and-go takeoff and landing practice. During the takeoff roll, the airplane began to drift to the left. The pilot attempted to correct the drift by using the control yoke rather than the rudder. The airplane subsequently departed the runway and impacted a snow bank located on the south side of the runway.

Aircraft Damage

The impact caused substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage of the airplane. No preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions were reported that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Statement

The student pilot stated that he had not flown for 45 days prior to the accident due to inclement weather. He further reported that there were no mechanical issues with the airplane before the accident.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedStudent/instructed pilotUnintentional use/operation

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome