FTW03LA149

During takeoff initial climb, the flight instructor reduced the power to "simulate a partial power emergency." The student pilot hesitated long enough for the flight instructor to request full power. When power was increased, "the engine started coughing." The flight instructor "assumed a loss of power" and aborted the takeoff. Subsequently, the airplane struck a ditch at departure end of the runway coming to rest upright.

On May 10, 2003, approximately 1125 central daylight time, a Bellanca 7GCBC single-engine tailwheel-equipped airplane, N711JJ, sustained substantial damage during an aborted takeoff following a partial loss of engine power from the Houston-Southwest Airport, near Houston, Texas. The certificated flight instructor (CFI) sustained minor injuries and the student pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by Texas Taildraggers of Houston, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

Information from the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report Form (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) and an FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, revealed that the student pilot was receiving instruction on short field takeoffs and landings along with emergency procedures. After lift off from runway 9, with approximately 2,000 feet of runway remaining, the 1,450-hour CFI reduced the power to "simulate a partial power emergency." The student pilot "hesitated long enough for the CFI to request full power and continue normal flight." When power was increased, "the engine started coughing." The CFI "assumed a loss of engine power and elected to abort the takeoff." Subsequently, the airplane struck a ditch at departure end of the runway coming to rest upright.

The FAA inspector reported that the left wing was bent up approximately 70 degrees outboard of the wing strut attaching point, and the left main landing gear was separated. Engine and control continuity was established. The engine was examined by an FAA inspector and was found to be free of anomalies.

Sugar Land Regional Airport (SGR), located 12 miles northwest of the accident site was the nearest weather reporting station. At 1100, SGR was reporting wind from 180 degrees at 12 knots gusting to 18 knots, and visibility 8 statute miles. The temperature was 28 degrees Celsius and the dew point was 23 degrees Celsius.