No fatalities

13 May 2018: DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA 20 C1 — Falcon Aviation Academy — LaGrange, GA

LaGrange, GA, United States

On 13 May 2018, a DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA 20 C1 operated by Falcon Aviation Academy was involved in an aviation accident near LaGrange, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control during a soft-field takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 17 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During a soft field takeoff, the student pilot reported a crosswind caused a right wing drag, while the instructor noted improper aileron use leading to left wing impact. Substantial damage to left aileron.

Flight Instructor's Account

The flight instructor reported that during a soft field takeoff, the student kept the stick back and allowed the nose of the airplane to rise. As the airplane drifted left, the instructor reminded the student to apply right rudder and right aileron. The instructor added that the student appeared to apply excessive right aileron, causing the right wing to come close to dragging on the runway. Preparing to take the flight controls, the instructor observed the student overcorrect to the left, resulting in the left wing impacting the ground. The instructor then assumed control of the airplane, reduced power, and taxied to parking without further incident.

Student Pilot's Account

The student pilot reported that during a soft field takeoff, at approximately 30 to 35 knots, the airplane lifted off and encountered a crosswind that rolled the airplane to the right. The right wing then dragged on the ground. In response, the student rolled the airplane to the left, causing the left wing to impact the ground.

Damage and Mechanical Status

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left aileron. The chief flight instructor of the school reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Causes

Lateral/bank control — Not attained/maintainedStudent/instructed pilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation