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NTSB Report

September 29, 2018 · Piper PA28 140 · N40825

Spokane, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 29, 2018
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Spokane, WA
Aircraft
Piper PA28 140 (1974)
Tail Number
N40825
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA575

The noninstructor-rated pilot reported that he agreed to go flying with a student pilot in the student's airplane and act as pilot-in-command while seated in the right seat. During the approach to land with the student on the controls, the airplane was high, but with the "airfield made," the student selected full flaps. According to the pilot, the airplane "got slow and low," and the student initiated a go-around, during which, in a single motion, the pilot raised the flaps to the full-up position, and the airplane "struggled to fly and climb." Subsequently, the airplane impacted trees at the end of the runway and came to rest on its right side. The pilot added that the Pilot's Operating Handbook states that the flaps should be retracted one notch at a time. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper retraction of the flaps during a go-around, which resulted in the airplane’s failure to climb and its subsequent collision with trees.

Full Narrative

The non-instructor rated pilot reported that he agreed to go flying with a student pilot in the student's airplane, and act as pilot in command while seated in the right seat. During the approach to land, with the student on the controls, the airplane was high, but with the "airfield made", full flaps were selected. According to the pilot, the airplane "got slow and low" and the student initiated a go around. During the go around, in a single motion, the pilot raised the flaps to the full up position and the airplane "struggled to fly and climb". Subsequently, the airplane impacted trees at the end of the runway and came to rest on its right side. The pilot added that the pilot operating handbook states that the flaps should be retracted one notch at a time. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 PDT
Nearest AirportFowlers Nw 40 (0nm NE)
Runway03
Runway Length1550 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA28 140
Tail NumberN40825
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · Serious
Crew 2Age 42 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 28 C
Altimeter29.88 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data