Colorado Aviation Accidents & Incidents

During a private pilot check ride the student was asked to make a soft field takeoff. The student pilot reported that, during a soft field takeoff, he applied back pressure and anticipated that the airplane would become airborne. He never felt the airplane "come up" and he applied more back pressure. The airplane "popped up," banked to the left, and struck the runway. The airplane exited the runway to the left into the grass and the nose and right landing gear collapsed.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount.

The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The student pilot's failure to maintain lateral control during a soft-field takeoff, which resulted in the left wing striking the runway and a runway excursion.