Takeoff & Initial Climb · NTSB ERA09FA345
PIPER PA-28R-180 — Scotia, NY
| Date | June 14, 2009 |
| Location | Scotia, NY |
| Aircraft | PIPER PA-28R-180 |
| Purpose of flight | Instructional |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Initial climb Collision during takeoff/land |
| Pilot age | 52 |
| Pilot total time | 360 hrs · Building experience |
| Time in type | 2 hrs |
| Fatalities | 3 |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of checklist-Flight crew - C
- Aircraft-Aircraft structures-Wing structure-Trailing edge flaps-Not used/operated - C
- Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Lack of action-Flight crew - C
- Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Lack of action-Instructor/check pilot - F
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Climb rate-Not attained/maintained
- Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of equip/system-Flight crew - C
What happened
The flight instructor and student pilot were taking off from a 1,840-foot long grass runway located next to a river. The instructor and student pilot did not extend the flaps to 25 degrees as required by the Owner’s Handbook for takeoff from a soft surface runway. Witnesses stated that the airplane became airborne two times on the takeoff roll. A witness further stated, "He continued to roll further pulling the airplane into the air for a third time." The airplane lifted off the runway, settled into the river, and sank. The manufacturer's performance charts based on the weather conditions at the accident site revealed the ground run required for takeoff on a hard surface, without flaps extended, is about 1,350 feet. Takeoff from a grassy surface would require a significantly longer distance. Examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly, and accessories revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure or malfunction. The landing gear was found extended at the accident site. After some preparation, the engine was started, warmed up, advanced to full power, run continuously without hesitation, and subsequently shut down.