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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

September 13, 2018 · Piper PA28 140 · N7223J

Spanish Fork, UT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 13, 2018
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Spanish Fork, UT
Aircraft
Piper PA28 140 (1968)
Tail Number
N7223J
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA553

The flight instructor reported that, during takeoff, as the airplane reached rotation speed, the student took his feet off the rudder pedals. The airplane drifted left of the runway centerline, and the student then quickly placed his feet back on the pedals and pushed the right brake, which caused the airplane to veer right. The instructor, who did not have brakes on his side, applied left rudder, but the airplane departed the right side of the runway. He added that, during the runway excursion, he heard the tail dragging along the ground or striking bushes. Subsequently, the airplane aligned with the runway, but fearing damage to the tail, the instructor aborted the takeoff and landed the airplane on the side of the runway, and it struck large mounds of dirt and a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain the runway heading during takeoff and the flight instructor’s decision to conduct primary flight instruction in an airplane without dual controls.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor reported that, during takeoff, as the airplane reached rotation speed, the student took his feet off the rudder pedals. The airplane drifted left of the runway centerline, the student quickly placed his feet back on the pedals and pushed the right brake, which caused the airplane to veer right. The instructor, who did not have brakes on his side, applied left rudder, but the airplane departed the right side of the runway. During the runway excursion, the tail was heard dragging the ground or striking bushes. Subsequently, the airplane aligned with the runway, but fearing damage to the tail, the instructor aborted the takeoff and landed the airplane on the side of the runway, striking large mounds of dirt and a ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 MDT
Nearest AirportSpanish Fork Arpt Springville- (0nm E)
Runway30
Runway Length6500 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA28 140
Tail NumberN7223J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 28 · First Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 35 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point28 C
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time14:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data