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July 11, 2020 · New Kolb Aircraft KOLB Flyer SS No Series · N38KF

Lutz, FL

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 11, 2020
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Lutz, FL
Aircraft
New Kolb Aircraft KOLB Flyer SS No Series (2008)
Tail Number
N38KF
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA20CA244

The purpose of the flight was to prepare the student pilot for a solo cross-country flight. After taxiing to the end of the runway, the flight instructor told the student to perform a short field takeoff. The student pilot described that there was a crowd at the airport café, and that the flight instructor stated, “let’s show them what aviation is all about.” The student pilot said that the takeoff roll was normal, and as he pulled back on the flight control stick and began to pitch for a best climb attitude, the airplane struggled to fly. The student pilot then felt back pressure on the control stick and noted that the flight instructor was pulling the stick back more but had not initiated a positive transfer of controls. The airplane then veered to the left, the flight instructor pitched the nose down, and the airplane struck a berm off the left side of the runway before it “cartwheeled” twice and came to rest. During the accident sequence the airplane’s left wing and empennage were substantially damaged. The student pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor’s failure to maintain control of the airplane following an unannounced transfer of flight control during takeoff.

Full Narrative

The purpose of the flight was to prepare the student pilot for a solo cross-country flight. After taxiing to the end of the runway, the flight instructor told the student to perform a short field takeoff. The student pilot described that there was a crowd at the airport café, and that the flight instructor stated, “let’s show them what aviation is all about.” The student pilot said that the takeoff roll was normal, and as he pulled back on the flight control stick and began to pitch for a best climb attitude, the airplane struggled to fly. The student pilot then felt back pressure on the control stick and noted that the flight instructor was pulling the stick back more but had not initiated a positive transfer of controls. The airplane then veered to the left, the flight instructor pitched the nose down, and the airplane struck a berm off the left side of the runway before it “cartwheeled” twice and came to rest. During the accident sequence the airplane’s left wing and empennage were substantially damaged. The student pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:26 EDT
Nearest AirportTampa North Aero Park (0nm SW)
Runway14
Runway Length3541 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftNew Kolb Aircraft KOLB Flyer SS No Series
Tail NumberN38KF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine DetailsRotax · 912ULS SERIES · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 28 · First Class · Minor
Crew 2Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time11:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data