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NTSB Report

February 27, 2017 · Piper PA28 181 · N309PA

Phoenix, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 27, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA28 181 (2002)
Tail Number
N309PA
Operator
Transpac Aviation Academy
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA166

The flight instructor reported that, during an introduction to soft-field takeoffs lesson, upon switching to the tower frequency, he and his student received the updated wind and altimeter setting. He noted that the wind was a "rear quartering crosswind" and that "I have done these before so thought I would be fine, though in retrospect [it's] been a long time since I have done [a takeoff] with similar conditions." During the takeoff, he held the yoke back with right aileron, and as the airplane began to lift off, he reduced back pressure on the yoke. After becoming airborne, the airplane drifted to the right and then settled back on the runway. He added more right aileron, rudder, and "back elevator," which reduced his forward visibility. The airplane became airborne again about 45 knots and drifted to the right of the runway centerline. He reduced power, landed, and came to a stop off the right side of the runway. The airplane was taxied back to parking with no further incident. A postaccident examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the rear carry-through wing spar. The chief flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The flight instructor reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 300° at 10 knots. The airplane was departing from runway 7R.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor’s incorrect control inputs while taking off with a known quartering tailwind, which resulted in a loss of directional control and runway excursion.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor reported that during an introduction to soft field takeoffs lesson, upon switching to the tower frequency, he and his student received the updated wind and altimeter setting. He noted that the wind was a "rear quartering crosswind", and reported "I have done these before so thought I would be fine, though in retrospect [it's] been a long time since I have done [a takeoff] with similar conditions". During the takeoff, he held the yoke back with right aileron, and as the airplane began to lift off he reduced back pressure on the yoke. After becoming airborne, the airplane drifted to the right and then settled back on the runway. He added more right aileron, rudder, and more "back elevator" which reduced his forward visibility. The airplane became airborne again, about 45 knots, and drifted to the right of the runway centerline. He reduced power, landed, and came to a stop off the right side of the runway. The airplane was taxied back to parking with no further incident. A post-accident examination revealed the airplane sustained substantial damage to the rear carry through wing spar. The chief flight instructor reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The flight instructor reported that about the time of the accident the wind was 300° at 10 knots. The airplane was departing on runway 7R.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 MST
Nearest AirportPhoenix Deer Valley (1nm W)
Runway7R
Runway Length8196 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA28 181
Tail NumberN309PA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTranspac Aviation Academy
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 SERIES · Reciprocating
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 43 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 23 · Third Class · None
Crew 3None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 5500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 41 C
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data