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NTSB Report
October 19, 2016 · Piper PA 28 140 · N5541F
Fresno, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 19, 2016
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Fresno, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA 28 140 (1968)
Tail Number
N5541F
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA035
The pilot reported that he flew to a tower-controlled airport to practice simulated engine failure approaches and landings. During departure following his fifth approach, he wanted to know what time it was and began looking for his phone, including reaching behind the seat to find it. He further reported that he must have been pulling back on the yoke while searching, and when he looked forward, the airplane was in a right yaw. He reported that he did not remember anything after that but believed that the airplane aerodynamically stalled and subsequently impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during departure due to being distracted by looking for his phone.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he flew to a tower-controlled airport to practice simulated engine failure approach and landings. During departure following his fifth approach, he wanted to know what time it was and began looking for his phone, including reaching behind the seat to find it. He further reported that he must have been pulling back on the yoke while searching and when he looked forward, the airplane was in a right yaw. He reported that he does not remember anything after that, but believed that the airplane aerodynamically stalled and subsequently impacted the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 PDT
Nearest AirportFresno Yosemite Intl (1nm ESE)
Runway29L
Runway Length8008 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA 28 140
Tail NumberN5541F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 C
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time21:53
Weather SourceWFAC