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May 17, 2024 · Piper PA-22-150 · N9998D

Afton, WY

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 17, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Afton, WY
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-150
Tail Number
N9998D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC24LA035

The commercial pilot, seated in the right seat, and the student pilot and airplane owner, seated in the left seat, reported that the purpose of the flight was a local flight in the student pilot’s newly acquired airplane. Both pilots reported that they had just met for the first time just before the accident flight. The commercial pilot added that she was unaware that the airplane owner was only a student pilot. The student pilot reported that, during takeoff, the commercial pilot applied full power, the airplane lifted off the runway momentarily, settled back onto the runway surface, then subsequently lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane departed the right side of the runway, struck two fences, and nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and wing struts. The commercial pilot reported that, during takeoff roll, the student pilot was in control of the airplane. The commercial pilot stated that the student pilot held full power and brakes throughout the accident sequence. Review of photos taken at the accident site show witness marks on the runway surface, adjacent taxiway, and grass consistent with the application of brakes throughout the accident sequence. The brakes are only operable from the left seat in the accident airplane. The student pilot reported that, during a postaccident inspection of the airplane, he found that the elevator trim was set to the full nose-up position. The commercial pilot and the student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The commercial pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff. Contributing was the student pilot’s application of brakes during the takeoff roll and the failure of both pilots to maintain a positive transfer of controls.

Full Narrative

The commercial pilot, seated in the right seat, and the student pilot and airplane owner, seated in the left seat, reported that the purpose of the flight was a local flight in the student pilot’s newly acquired airplane. Both pilots reported that they had just met for the first time just before the accident flight. The commercial pilot added that she was unaware that the airplane owner was only a student pilot. The student pilot reported that, during takeoff, the commercial pilot applied full power, the airplane lifted off the runway momentarily, settled back onto the runway surface, then subsequently lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane departed the right side of the runway, struck two fences, and nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and wing struts. The commercial pilot reported that, during takeoff roll, the student pilot was in control of the airplane. The commercial pilot stated that the student pilot held full power and brakes throughout the accident sequence. Review of photos taken at the accident site show witness marks on the runway surface, adjacent taxiway, and grass consistent with the application of brakes throughout the accident sequence. The brakes are only operable from the left seat in the accident airplane. The student pilot reported that, during a postaccident inspection of the airplane, he found that the elevator trim was set to the full nose-up position. The commercial pilot and the student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:38 MDT
Nearest AirportAfton Municipal (0nm N)
Runway34
Runway Length7025 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-22-150
Tail NumberN9998D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 21 · None · None
Crew 2Age 33 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point32 C / 32 C
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time20:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data