Accident Narrative
A flight instructor reported that, during a soft field takeoff with a student pilot at the flight controls, the airplane was in ground effect and yawed to the left with a high angle of attack. As the student corrected, a wind gust from the right caused the airplane to drift left, putting the aircraft into a "cross controlled situation." The instructor attempted to assume control, but the student pilot only heard his name and continued to fly. The instructor reported he was unable to overpower the student and became concerned that the airplane was not producing enough lift and would aerodynamically stall or spin. He pushed forward hard on the yoke to prevent the stall, and the airplane impacted terrain 50 yards off the side of the runway about midfield.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, left wing, and right wing.
Weather Conditions
An airport's automated weather observation station, located 14 miles to the northeast, reported that about the time of the accident the wind was from 210° at 8 knots, variable from 180° to 240°. The airplane was departing from runway 14.
Additional Information
The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The student pilot did not submit a written statement as requested.
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airplane Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-3B, provides guidance on soft-field takeoffs. It states that pilots should transfer the airplane's weight from wheels to wings as rapidly as possible by establishing a nose-high pitch attitude early. After becoming airborne, the nose should be gently lowered to allow acceleration to VY or VX. The handbook warns that transitioning out of ground effect may cause the airplane to settle back onto the surface, and pilots should not attempt to climb before reaching sufficient airspeed.