FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Tailwheel Aircraft Veers Left During Takeoff Rotation, Lands in Grass

Grand Island, NE, United States

On July 6, 2017, a LUSCOMBE 8 A was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Island, NE. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action. 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 a training flight, a tailwheel airplane veered sharply left during takeoff rotation. The instructor took control and landed in grass, resulting in substantial fuselage damage. No mechanical issues were reported.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor reported that during an instructional flight, a tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a sharp left veer while at rotation for takeoff. The instructor, deeming safe flight not assured, assumed control from the student pilot. Subsequently, the airplane was landed in the grass area adjacent to the runway.

Damage Assessment

A postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the fuselage. The instructor noted no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing Factors

No contributing factors were identified in the report. The instructor did not specify any mechanical issues with the airplane.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedStudent/instructed pilotInstructor/check pilot

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jul 2017 LUSCOMBE 8 A accident near Grand Island, NE?

During a training flight, a tailwheel airplane veered sharply left during takeoff rotation. The instructor took control and landed in grass, resulting in substantial fuselage damage. No mechanical issues were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Jul 2017 LUSCOMBE 8 A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jul 2017 involved a LUSCOMBE 8 A, at Grand Island, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action.

More accident analyses