NTSB Factual Report

On April 19, 2004, about 1530 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire-equipped Champion 7GC airplane, N8529E, sustained substantial damage when it departed the runway and collided with a ditch during the takeoff roll at the Wasilla Airport, Wasilla, Alaska. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area instructional flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by the owner/student pilot. The student pilot and the certificated commercial pilot/flight instructor were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed, nor was one required.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on April 20, the student pilot reported that an annual inspection of the airplane had just been completed. He said he occupied the front seat of the airplane, and was receiving a 90-day flight currency check from the flight instructor. He reported that he performed an engine run-up, taxied to the active runway, and maneuvered the airplane into takeoff position on runway 21. Shortly after he initiated the takeoff roll, the airplane began to pull to the left. He indicated he applied right rudder, but could not prevent the airplane from continuing to the left. At an airspeed of about 35 to 40 mph, he applied right aileron, and lifted the left main wheel off the ground. The airplane began to track to the right, but when he lowered the left wheel to the ground, the airplane veered sharply to the left and departed off the left side of the runway. The airplane collided with a ditch and received damage to the propeller, the left main landing gear strut, and structural damage to the left wing.

Following the accident, the student pilot/owner said that a mechanic briefly examined the left wheel and left brake. The mechanic did not discover a mechanical malfunction at that time.

At 1536, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) at Wasilla was reporting, in part: Wind, Calm; visibility, 10 statute miles; clouds and sky condition, few at 11,000 feet; temperature, 46 degrees F; dew point, 22 degrees F; altimeter, 29.79 inHg.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the student pilot which resulted in a loss of directional control during the takeoff roll, and subsequent collision with a ditch. A factor contributing to the accident was the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane.