ERA11CA039

Factual narrative

According to the student pilot, he was practicing short-field takeoffs from runway 32, a 3,541-foot-long, 50-foot-wide, asphalt runway. During the second takeoff roll, the airplane turned to the left and the student pilot attempted to correct the left turn with right rudder; however, a cushion was lodged under the rudder pedals. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway, struck a pole and two cars, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing, firewall, and left horizontal stabilizer. The student pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane. He further reported 34 hours of total flight experience, which included 7 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane. An examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed a cushion lodged under the left rudder pedal; however, the cushion did not hinder the operation of the rudder. The winds reported at an airport 12 miles to the south of the accident location were calm. According to the student pilot, he was practicing short-field takeoffs. During the second takeoff roll, the airplane veered to the left. He attempted to correct the left turn with right rudder, however, a cushion was lodged under the rudder pedals. The airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway and collided with a pole and two vehicles. During the accident sequence, the airplane incurred damage to the left wing, firewall, and left horizontal stabilizer. The student pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane. An examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed a cushion lodged under the left rudder pedal; the inspector noted that the cushion did not hinder the operation of the rudder. The wind reported at an airport 12 miles to the south of the accident location were calm. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Student pilot - C