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January 15, 2023 · Piper PA-28-180 · N9687J

San Diego, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 15, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
San Diego, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180 (1967)
Tail Number
N9687J
Operator
Christopher Cardoza
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR23LA091

The flight instructor reported that prior to his arrival, the student pilot conducted a preflight inspection of the airplane. The flight instructor then visually inspected the airplane and did not observe any anomalies. On the takeoff roll, with the student pilot at the controls, the left side of the engine cowling opened just after rotation. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and reduced the engine’s power setting to relieve stress on the cowling and abort the takeoff. However, the flight instructor determined that “was not the solution,” applied full power to the engine and elected to initiate a turn toward an alternate runway. The airplane continued to descend and was unable to reach the alternate runway. The flight instructor landed the airplane in muddy terrain off the runway. During the landing roll, the airplane’s right main landing gear separated, and the right wing impacted the surface, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor’s failure to maintain altitude while maneuvering to another runway after the engine cowling opened shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the failure of both the student pilot and flight instructor to conduct an adequate preflight inspection.

Full Narrative

The flight instructor reported that prior to his arrival, the student pilot conducted a preflight inspection of the airplane. The flight instructor then visually inspected the airplane and did not observe any anomalies. On the takeoff roll, with the student pilot at the controls, the left side of the engine cowling opened just after rotation. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and reduced the engine’s power setting to relieve stress on the cowling and abort the take off. However, the flight instructor determined that “was not the solution,” applied full power to the engine and elected to initiate a turn toward an alternate runway. The airplane continued to descend and was unable to reach the alternate runway. The flight instructor landed the airplane in muddy terrain off the runway. During the landing roll, the airplane’s right main landing gear separated, and the right wing impacted the surface, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time02:30 PST
Nearest AirportMontgomery-Gibbs Executive Air (0nm)
Runway28L
Runway Length3401 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN9687J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorChristopher Cardoza
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 33 · None · None
Crew 2Age 30 · Third Class · None
Crew 3None
Crew 4None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 12 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 F / 52 F
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time10:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data