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NTSB Report

March 21, 2010 · Piper PA-28-181 · N428PA

Phoenix, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 21, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-181
Tail Number
N428PA
Operator
Bird Acquisition
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR10CA172

The flight instructor was demonstrating a soft-field takeoff to his student. During the takeoff roll, he applied full back pressure on the yoke, heard the stall horn, and lowered the nose. As the aircraft left the ground, the flight instructor heard the stall horn a second time. The airplane's right wing began to rise as the aircraft reached an estimated altitude of 20 feet above ground level. The flight instructor checked that the throttle was full forward, but the airplane would not accelerate. As the airplane continued to turn left it departed the left side of the runway and the left wing impacted a runway information sign. The airplane came to a stop in the grass off the left side of the runway. The left wing's forward spar was damaged and the left fuel tank was ruptured. The right wing's outer 4 feet (estimated) was bent up and the engine's firewall was wrinkled.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor's failure to attain and maintain adequate airspeed while demonstrating a soft-field takeoff.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor was demonstrating a soft field takeoff to his student. During the takeoff roll, he applied full back pressure on the yoke; he heard the stall horn and he lowered the nose. As the aircraft left the ground, the flight instructor heard the stall horn a second time. The airplane's right wing began to rise as the aircraft reached an estimated altitude of 20 feet above ground level. The flight instructor checked that the throttle was full forward, but the airplane would not accelerate. As the airplane continued to turn left, it departed the left side of the runway, and the left wing impacted a runway information sign. The airplane came to a stop in the grass off the left side of the runway. The left wing's forward spar was damaged and the left fuel tank was ruptured. The right wing's outer 4 feet (estimated) was bent up and the engine's fire wall was wrinkled.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:37 MST
Nearest AirportPhoenix Deer Valley Arpt (0nm)
Runway07R
Runway Length8197 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-181
Tail NumberN428PA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBird Acquisition
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 SER · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 38 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 26 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 16 C
Altimeter30.19 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data