ERA12CA302

Factual narrative

The pilot taxied the airplane onto the runway and applied full power to the engine for takeoff. The airplane veered to the left, and the pilot attempted to apply right rudder, but was unsuccessful in regaining control of the airplane before it departed the runway surface. The airplane bounced several times as it crossed the grassy area adjacent to the runway and a taxiway, before the pilot cut off the engine. The airplane ultimately came to rest about 2,000 feet from the runway threshold. During the accident sequence the nose landing gear collapsed and the firewall was substantially damaged. Examination of the airplane's rudder and nosewheel steering system revealed no evidence of any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures. After the pilot applied full engine power for takeoff, the airplane veered to the left. The pilot attempted to apply right rudder, but was unsuccessful in regaining control of the airplane before it departed the runway surface. The airplane bounced several times as it continued across the grassy area adjacent to the runway and a taxiway before it came to a stop. During the accident sequence the firewall was substantially damaged. Examination of the airplane's rudder and nosewheel steering system revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C
• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Delayed action-Pilot - C