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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

August 4, 2000 · Piper PA-30 · N300RE

Davis, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 4, 2000
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Davis, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-30
Tail Number
N300RE
Operator
Travis Afb Aeroclub
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX00LA287

The airplane sustained substantial damage when it veered off the runway and collided with a runway light during a simulated engine failure in the takeoff ground roll. The certified flight instructor (CFI) explained to his student that he would be simulating an engine failure on the takeoff roll and proceeded to retard the right throttle. The CFI waited for his student to apply the proper correction procedures; however, the airplane continued to drift to the right side of the runway. The CFI pulled both throttles but realized at that point that he did not have any brakes on his side of the airplane. He increased the throttles and the airplane "violently swerved and rolled" to the left as it became airborne. As the airplane drifted down the runway in ground effect, the CFI regained control and continued the departure. The CFI and student made another practice stop-and-go landing. During the taxi back, they noticed the left wing tip was missing and returned to their home base.

NTSB Probable Cause

the dual student's improper response to a simulated engine failure and the flight instructor's delayed remedial action and inadequate supervision of the flight.

Full Narrative

On August 4, 2000, about 0900 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-30, N300RE, veered off the runway and collided with a runway light during takeoff from Yolo County Airport, Davis, California. Travis Air Force Base USAF Aero Club was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and the commercial rated multiengine student were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The instructional flight departed the private Travis AFB Aero Club airport about 0830. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. In a written statement given by the CFI, he stated that he explained to his student that he would be simulating an engine failure on the takeoff roll and proceeded to retard the right throttle. The airplane started to drift to the right and the CFI said he felt the distinct application of left rudder. As the CFI waited for his student to apply the proper correction procedures, the airplane continued to drift to the right side of the runway. The CFI pulled both throttles but realized at that point that he did not have any brakes on his side of the airplane. He increased the throttles and the airplane "violently swerved" and rolled to the left as it became airborne. As the airplane drifted down the runway in ground effect, the CFI regained control and continued the departure. The CFI and student continued back around to practice another stop-and-go landing. During the taxi back for takeoff they noticed "something shiny" on the side of the runway. The CFI noticed the left wing tip was missing. The CFI then took control of the airplane and flew it back to Travis AFB Aero Club airport. The pilot and operator submitted written statements, but did not submit an NTSB 6120.1/2 pilot/operator report.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 PDT
Nearest AirportYolo County (0nm)
Runway16
Runway Length6000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-30
Tail NumberN300RE
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTravis Afb Aeroclub
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 23 · None
Crew 2Age 65 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 54
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data