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NTSB Report

February 29, 2008 · Piper PA-28-161 · N9204L

Vero Beach, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 29, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Vero Beach, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N9204L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA08CA069

The student pilot's instructor briefed and reviewed with the student several operational issues, including crosswind components limitations, before the accident flight, which was to be a solo cross country flight. The student pilot stated, as he aligned on the runway he noted the wind direction and deflected the ailerons accordingly. During the takeoff roll, approximately 36 knots on the airspeed indicator, the left wing suddenly lifted off the ground and the airplane tilted to the left. He elected to abort the takeoff. The airplane continued rolling to the left towards the grass. The right wing hit a distance marker on the left side of the runway, which was 2,000 feet down the runway. The student pilot stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Directional control-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

The student pilot's instructor briefed and reviewed with the student several operational issues, including crosswind component limitations, before the accident flight, which was to be a solo cross country flight. The student pilot stated that he taxied on the runway lining up with the center line. He noted wind direction and deflected the ailerons accordingly. He began the takeoff roll and at approximately 36 knots, indicated on the airspeed indicator, the left wing suddenly lifted off the ground and the airplane tilted to the left. At that moment, he reduced engine power to idle to abort the takeoff. The airplane continued rolling to the left towards the grass. The right wing hit a distance marker on the side of the runway. The student pilot stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident. The responding FAA inspector stated that student pilot lost directional control of the airplane, which veered off the left side of the runway and impacted a distance marker about the 2,000 feet down the runway.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:53 EST
Nearest AirportVero Beach Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway11R
Runway Length7314 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN9204L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 28 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 48
Altimeter30.38 inHg
Observation Time10:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data