While the crash was definitely on the "student", there were many warning signs that should have prompted a discussion. Trouble taxiing? A solo pilot asking for help? When I encounter a situation like this, Iassume the person can't fly. If he can, then great but Iask if they have a trainer cord. If not, I start from scratch. Look over the plane, controls, etc. Then I ask if they want me to try and help them fly it and get a clear understanding of what will happen if they get in trouble. Finally, Imake it clear that they asked me for help and that Iwill do everyhthing Ican to keep their plane in one piece but if something happens, I'm not responsible for the damage to the plane.

At any point in the flight it appears they are out of control, Iattempt to take control (having told them up front I would do this). A nervous pilot will almost always hand over control when you ask for it.

Good topic. Again, I don't think you did anything wrong, Ijust would have done some things different. By the way, Ifly at public field most of the time and we see beginners almost every day. It's the ones that don't ask for help that scare us the most. Being a public park, if they refuse help, there is not much we can do other than warn all bystanders.