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NTSB Report
May 31, 2008 · Piper Seneca · N864CA
Plaquemine, LA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 31, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Plaquemine, LA
Aircraft
Piper Seneca
Tail Number
N864CA
Operator
William M Nuttall
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN08CA099
The private pilot was on an instructional flight with a certified flight instructor from a 2600 x 80 foot grass airstrip, which was wet with dew. At approximately 40 knots on initial takeoff roll the flight instructor pulled the left throttle to idle to simulate the loss of an engine on takeoff. The pilot aborted the takeoff, pulling the right throttle back and applying wheel brakes. The airplane slid off the side of the runway into a field and hit a ditch. Examination of the airplane revealed the left wing had pulled forward, separating the trailing edge from the fuselage approximately 1 1/2 inch and buckling the fuselage at the leading edge.
NTSB Probable Cause
The certified flight instructor's poor decision to simulate a loss of engine on takeoff with a wet runway and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was the dew covered runway surface and the ditch.
Full Narrative
The private pilot told FAA personnel he was on an instructional flight with a certified flight instructor from a 2600 x 80 foot grass airstrip, which was wet with dew. At approximately 40 knots on initial takeoff roll the flight instructor pulled the left throttle to idle to simulate the loss of an engine on takeoff. The pilot aborted the takeoff, pulling the right throttle back and applying wheel brakes. The airplane slid off the side of the runway into a field and hit a ditch. Examination of the airplane revealed the left wing had pulled forward, separating the trailing edge from the fuselage approximately 1 1/2 inch and buckling the fuselage at the leading edge.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper Seneca
Tail NumberN864CA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWilliam M Nuttall
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-360-EB · Reciprocating
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 81 · Third Class · None
Crew 2None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO