Narrative
On 21 January 1974, a Piper J3C (registration HB-ODD) operated by Fliegerschule Birrfeld was engaged in solo training flights. The student pilot had completed a series of dual instruction flights earlier that day, from 14:09 to 15:12, practicing spot landings with glides. After refueling and installing a portable radio, the student began solo operations.
During taxi from the hangar to the start of runway 26, the student found that right turns required use of the brakes, as rudder input alone was ineffective. After completing the before-takeoff check, the flight instructor granted takeoff clearance via radio. Before starting the takeoff roll, the aircraft's longitudinal axis was offset approximately 10° to the right of the runway direction.
The takeoff was initiated with the control stick aft and simultaneous left rudder input to correct the offset. The aircraft responded to the left correction but continued turning left even after the student moved the rudder fully right. The brakes were not used. After about 15-30 m of ground roll, the student pushed the stick forward. As the aircraft approached the left runway marking, the student forcefully lifted off after approximately 80 m of ground roll.
During the climb, the flight instructor instructed via radio: "Keep straight." The aircraft stalled in a nose-high attitude and dropped over the left wing, the wingtip contacting the ground. It then rotated around its vertical axis, coming to rest approximately parallel to runway 26.
Findings
The student held a valid student pilot license. No medical issues relevant to the accident were reported. The aircraft was certified for flight. Examination revealed that lubrication of the tailwheel fork was insufficient, making it relatively difficult to rotate. The last 100-hour inspection was performed on 17 October 1973, and the last 25-hour inspection on 15 January 1974.
Weather at Birrfeld: overcast ceiling at 800 m, visibility 6-7 km, wind variable (mainly southwest) at about 4 knots.
Probable Cause
The accident was due to the student pilot failing to abort the takeoff after deviating from the runway centerline.