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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

May 16, 1998 · Piper PA-22-150 · N3711P

Searcy, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 16, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Searcy, AR
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-150
Tail Number
N3711P
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW98LA227

The 1,800 hour instrument rated private pilot lost directional control of the airplane on take-off roll, during an instructional flight which was to familiarize him with the airplane. The airplane landed on runway 01, the instructor pilot retracted the flaps, and told the private pilot to 'go around.' As the private pilot applied takeoff power, the airplane began to veer to the right. Full rudder and aileron deflection, combined with maximum braking failed direct the airplane back to the runway centerline. Subsequently, the airplane exited the right side of the runway and came to rest nose down in a drainage ditch, between the runway and a taxiway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll. A factor was the certified flight instructor's inadequate supervision.

Full Narrative

On May 16, 1998, approximately 1600 central daylight time, a Piper PA-22-150 single engine airplane, N3711P, owned and operated by Flight Maintenance Inc., was substantially damaged following a loss of control during takeoff roll, at the Searcy Municipal Airport, near Searcy, Arkansas. The flight instructor and the instrument rated private pilot were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 local instructional flight. The flight originated from the Searcy Municipal Airport, at 1500. During a telephone interview with a representative of the NTSB, the private pilot stated that he was in the process of purchasing the tail wheel equipped airplane. The purpose of the flight was for the private pilot to "familiarize" himself with the airplane. The private pilot and instructor pilot reported the following events in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2). The 1,800 hour private pilot, who was flying from the left seat, landed the airplane on runway 01. During the landing roll, the flight instructor retracted the flaps and directed him to "go around." The private pilot applied power, and the airplane began to veer to the right of the runway centerline. Both pilots reported that they applied full left aileron, left rudder and left brake; however, the airplane continued turning to the right. The airplane turned 90 degrees to the right, exited the runway and came to rest nose down in a drainage ditch, upright between the runway and a taxiway. The instructor pilot reported that at the time of the accident, the wind was from 350 degrees at 10 knots and the visibility was at least 10 statute miles. An FAA representative examined the airplane and reported that the left side of the fuselage was buckled and a portion of tubing located on the underside of the main fuselage was displaced "8 inches." The inspector added that he did not find any evidence of a mechanical malfunction.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 CDT
Nearest AirportSearcy Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway1
Runway Length5007 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-22-150
Tail NumberN3711P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A1A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 10 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data