CEN24LA192

Factual narrative

The pilot reported during the takeoff from the turf runway with a crosswind present, he advanced the throttle “a little too fast.” As the tail of the airplane lifted off the ground, the pilot admitted he failed to apply “consistent” right rudder. The pilot closed the throttle and applied the brakes; however the left wing impacted a tree, the airplane spun to the left, and the right wing and the right elevator impacted the ground. The airplane came to rest upright in a ditch, and all three occupants were able to egress from the airplane without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the right elevator. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. At the time of the accident, the airplane was 59 pounds below the maximum gross weight. The estimated density altitude for the closest meteorological reporting station, near the time of the accident, was 2,711 ft above mean sea level. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot
• — Personnel issues-Psychological-Attention/monitoring-Task monitoring/vigilance-Pilot
• — Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Pilot
• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained