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NTSB Report

July 6, 2020 · Piper PA28R 180 · N3725T

Bardstown, KY

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 6, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Bardstown, KY
Aircraft
Piper PA28R 180 (1967)
Tail Number
N3725T
Operator
Nexgen Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA20CA240

The commercial pilot reported that he was preparing for a flight instructor practical examination, with a flight instructor onboard acting as a student pilot. After demonstrating several normal and short field takeoff and landings, the commercial pilot began to demonstrate a soft field takeoff. The commercial pilot reported that he "smoothly applied full power" and verified that the engine instruments were operating normally. He further reported that shortly after liftoff, while the airplane was in ground effect, the left wing dipped, and he attempted to correct the lateral bank with right aileron, however the left-wing continued to drop. Subsequently, the flight instructor stated, "we're stalling!" as the airplane touched down on the left side of the runway in a nose high, left wing down attitude. The airplane veered off the runway and the right main landing gear collapsed. During the runway excursion, the right wing sustained substantial damage. Neither pilots reported any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The commercial pilot's exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack and subsequent loss of lateral bank control during a soft field takeoff.

Full Narrative

The commercial pilot reported that he was preparing for a flight instructor practical examination, with a flight instructor onboard acting as a student pilot. After demonstrating several normal and short field takeoff and landings, the commercial pilot began to demonstrate a soft field takeoff. The commercial pilot reported that he "smoothly applied full power" and verified that the engine instruments were operating normally. He further reported that shortly after liftoff, while the airplane was in ground effect, the left wing dipped, and he attempted to correct the lateral bank with right aileron, however the left-wing continued to drop. Subsequently, the flight instructor stated, "we're stalling!" as the airplane touched down on the left side of the runway in a nose high, left wing down attitude. The airplane veered off the runway and the right main landing gear collapsed. During the runway excursion, the right wing sustained substantial damage. Neither pilots reported any preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:40 EDT
Nearest AirportSamuels Field (0nm N)
Runway03
Runway Length5003 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA28R 180
Tail NumberN3725T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorNexgen Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-B1E · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 37 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 45 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time15:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data