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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

November 5, 1997 · Piper PA-38 · N2536N

Madison, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 5, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Madison, WI
Aircraft
Piper PA-38
Tail Number
N2536N
Operator
Wisconsin Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI98LA030

The instructor (CFI) had the student fly the airplane down the runway in ground effect with full flaps. The CFI then raised the flaps to the first notch, at which time, he became distracted. He reported that by the time his attention returned to the airplane, it had veered to the left side of the runway. According to the CFI, they were too slow to fly out of ground effect, so full power was added in an attempt to recover. The right wing then contacted a runway light off the left side of the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

the flight instructor's (CFI's) inadequate supervision of the flight, and his failure to ensure that control of the airplane was maintained. Factors associated with the accident were: the CFI's improper use of flaps, and subsequent contact with the runway light.

Full Narrative

On November 4, 1997, at 1830 central standard time, a Piper PA- 38, N2536N, operated by Wisconsin Aviation, collided with a runway light while maneuvering over on runway 18 (9,005' x 150') at the Dane Country Regional Airport, Madison, Wisconsin. The instructional flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The certified flight instructor and student pilot were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The flight was being operated in visual meteorological prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the Dane County Regional Airport at 1800 central standard time. The instructor reported that they were cleared to make a touch and go on runway 18. After touching down he instructed the student to climb to 50 feet and set up for another landing without flying around the traffic pattern. He reported he had the student fly the airplane down the runway in ground effect with full flaps. The instructor reported he then told the student he was going to raise the flaps to the first notch. He reported he may have been distracted and when his attention returned to the airplane it had drifted to the left side of the runway. The instructor reported they were flying too slow to fly out of ground effect so full power was applied at which time the right wing contacted a runway light. The instructor was able to get the airplane back over the runway where an uneventful landing was made. The student pilot reported that he and his instructor were practicing touch and go landings. The student reported that the instructor was flying the airplane down the runway in ground effect. The instructor then reduced the flaps at which time the airplane veered to the left. Power was added and the right wing contacted a runway light on the left side of the runway.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 CST
Nearest AirportDane County (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length9005 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-38
Tail NumberN2536N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWisconsin Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 112
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind210° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 2700 ft
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 30 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:05
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data