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December 1, 2011 · Piper PA-44-180 · N2163N

Seattle, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 1, 2011
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Seattle, WA
Aircraft
Piper PA-44-180
Tail Number
N2163N
Operator
Hillsboro Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR12LA051

The flight instructor reported that, shortly after the student pilot conducted the takeoff, she noticed an uncommanded yaw, and she then took control of the airplane. The flight instructor started to land straight ahead, lowered the nose, and reduced power, but then she decided that insufficient runway remained to land, so she initiated a go-around. The airplane rolled sharply right and then descended in an uncontrolled inverted attitude, impacted the ground, and struck a parked airplane. The airplane fuselage and wings were substantially damaged from impact and partially consumed by the postcrash fire. A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

On November 30, 2011, at 1930 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-44-180, N2163N, collided with the airport ramp shortly after takeoff and impacted a parked airplane at Boeing Field/King County International Airport (BFI), Seattle, Washington. The airplane was registered to, and operated by, Hillsboro Aviation under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. The certified flight instructor and student pilot sustained minor injuries, and the airplane sustained substantial damage from impact damage and the post crash fire. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the instructional flight, and a visual flight rules flight plan and had been filed. The airplane was departing for Portland-Hillsboro Airport (HIO), Portland, Oregon.The flight instructor reported that shortly after the airplane took off, she noticed an uncommanded yaw and took over flight control from the student. The flight instructor started to land straight ahead, lowered the nose and reduced power, but decided there was not enough remaining runway to land, and initiated a go-around. The instructor lost control of the airplane, which immediately rolled to the right and collided on the ramp inverted. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the wing section and spar box remained attached and that the empennage remained mostly undamaged. The forward cabin area was partially consumed by fired. Both engines and mounting assemblies were removed from the wing and exhibited fire damage. Flight control continuity was established, although the ailerons exhibited impact damage. The flaps were observed in a retracted position and an examination of the fuel system found no anomalies. Examination of both the left and right engines found thermal discoloration and damage although no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were revealed that would have precluded normal operation. See the Engine/Airframe Examination report in the public docket. The flight instructor further stated that the engine did not sputter or run rough, and that the turn felt more like a hard roll than a yaw.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 PST
Nearest AirportBoeing Field/King County Inter (0nm)
Runway31R
Runway Length3710 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-44-180
Tail NumberN2163N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHillsboro Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-E1A6D · Reciprocating · 180 | Lycoming · LO-360-E1A6D · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · First Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 22 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 37 C
Altimeter30.76 inHg
Observation Time03:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data