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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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December 3, 1987 · Piper PA-28-140 · N16491

Pottstown, PA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 3, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Pottstown, PA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N16491
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC88LA052

DURING SOFT FIELD TAKEOFF, THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT WHO WAS WATCHING FROM THE RAMP, SAID THE THE STUDENT PLT SEEMED TO HAVE EXCESSIVE ANGLE OF ATTACK AND STALLED THE AIRCRAFT. THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED ON AIRPORT PROPERTY ABOUT 1,000 FEET FROM THE START OF THE TAKEOFF ROLL AND ABOUT 75 FEET TO THE LEFT OF THE RUNWAY. THE STUDENT SAID THAT HE WAS DOING A SOFT FIELD TAKEOFF.

Full Narrative

DURING SOFT FIELD TAKEOFF, THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT WHO WAS WATCHING FROM THE RAMP, SAID THE THE STUDENT PLT SEEMED TO HAVE EXCESSIVE ANGLE OF ATTACK AND STALLED THE AIRCRAFT. THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED ON AIRPORT PROPERTY ABOUT 1,000 FEET FROM THE START OF THE TAKEOFF ROLL AND ABOUT 75 FEET TO THE LEFT OF THE RUNWAY. THE STUDENT SAID THAT HE WAS DOING A SOFT FIELD TAKEOFF.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 EST
Nearest AirportPottstown (0nm N)
Runway25
Runway Length2700 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN16491
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:45
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data