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NTSB Report

January 24, 2009 · Piper PA-28-180 · N5117L

Bisbee, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 24, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Bisbee, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N5117L
Operator
Emery Jonathan and Jodean Wendt
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09CA099

During the instructional flight, the student pilot initiated the takeoff roll normally. As the airplane accelerated, it began to weave back and forth until it suddenly yawed sharply to the left. The flight instructor applied back pressure to the control yoke and the airplane became airborne. As the student pilot relinquished control of the airplane, she removed her hand from the throttle and inadvertently reduced it to the idle position. The flight instructor immediately advanced the throttle to the full open position as the airplane started to descend. Subsequently, the right main landing gear struck the runway precision approach path indicator lights and impacted the ground, resulting in structural damage to the fuselage. The flight instructor and student pilot stated that there were no anomalies with the flight control system or the engine at the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight and delay in remedial action.

Full Narrative

During the instructional flight, the student pilot initiated the takeoff roll normally. As the airplane accelerated, it began to weave back and forth until it suddenly yawed sharply to the left. The flight instructor applied back pressure to the control yoke and the airplane became airborne. As the student pilot relinquished control of the airplane, she removed her hand from the throttle and inadvertently reduced it to the idle position. The flight instructor immediately advanced the throttle to the full open position as the airplane started to descend. Subsequently, the right main landing gear struck the runway precision approach path indicator lights and impacted the ground, resulting in structural damage to the fuselage. The flight instructor and student pilot stated that there were no anomalies with the flight control system or the engine at the time of the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:55 MST
Nearest AirportBisbee International Airport (0nm)
Runway17
Runway Length7311 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN5117L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorEmery Jonathan and Jodean Wendt
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 55 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 53 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 55
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data