DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA 40
La Verne, CA — January 27, 2015
Event Information
| Date | January 27, 2015 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR15CA094 |
| Event ID | 20150128X02253 |
| Location | La Verne, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.05500, -117.46500 |
| Airport | BRACKETT FIELD |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC |
| Model | DA 40 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The student pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff from a runway, which resulted in a collision with a sign.
Full Narrative
The student pilot reported that the purpose of the solo flight was for him to practice soft-field takeoffs from a hard surface runway. During the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered a sudden gust of wind and the student pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The airplane veered to the left of the runway centerline and continued off the surface, colliding with several signs before coming to rest in a grassy area. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The student pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The student pilot further reported that the accident could have been prevented if he was more vigilant of sudden gusts of wind even in reported calm wind conditions.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.