The pilot reported that, while taking off from the airport in Salem, Oregon, the Zenair CH701 “suddenly jumped” about 30 feet into the air with a nose high attitude and rolled to the right.
He corrected by applying left and forward input on the flight controls. The airplane then rolled to the left. Attempting to level the wings, he reduced power and the airplane hit terrain. The plane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
The airport’s automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 360° at 12 knots. The airplane was departing from Runway 34.
The pilot told investigators that it was his first flight in the experimental amateur-built airplane and he should have waited for calm winds before trying first flight in unfamiliar aircraft.
He added that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain lateral control during takeoff, which resulted in impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper decision to make his first flight in an airplane he unfamiliar with before waiting for calm winds.
This November 2019 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Did the runway have a skijump?
Was the trim set?
When 30 feet in the air you need full power and 2° pitch.
Reducing power was just wrong.
You also said it all Henry K. Cooper
AC 90-89B says it all. Too bad the operator didn’t read and heed!