NTSB Factual Report

On July 7, 2008, at 1830 Pacific daylight time, an Evektor-Aerotechnik AS SportStar special light sport airplane (S-LSA), N918LA, sustained substantial damage following a loss of control during the takeoff roll at the Arlington Municipal Airport, Arlington, Washington. The LSA student pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane is registered to a private party and operated by Northwest Aviation Center of Everett, Washington. The local area instructional flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 when the accident occurred. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.

In a written statement the student pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, on runway 34, the airplane was "buffeted" by a gust of wind and yawed to the left. He applied corrective actions, full opposite rudder; however the airplane exited the runway edge. After the airplane exited the runway, the right main landing gear leg collapsed and the airplane came to rest adjacent to the runway. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane at the time of the accident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and right wing.

The student pilot reported that winds at the time of the accident were from 280 degrees at 11 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll in gusty conditions.