On February 17, 1983, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N9981W) was involved in an aviation accident near Winslow, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper decision to abort the takeoff, which resulted in an overrun of the runway and collision with terrain obstacles. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot aborted a short field takeoff during dual instruction, believing the aircraft was not accelerating sufficiently. The aircraft overran the runway and struck stumps.
What happened
During a dual instructional flight, the student pilot was practicing a short field takeoff procedure. After lifting off into ground effect, the student elected to abort the takeoff because he believed the aircraft was not accelerating fast enough. The instructor pilot stated that he failed to correct the student's errors. Subsequently, the aircraft went off the end of the 1300 ft runway and collided with stumps.
Findings
The accident occurred during a training maneuver where proper energy management and decision-making are critical. The student pilot misjudged the acceleration performance during the initial climb phase. The instructor pilot did not intervene to correct the error in time. The aircraft overran the available runway length due to the late abort decision.
Safety message
Pilots must maintain positive control and accurate airspeed awareness during short field takeoffs. Instructors should monitor student performance closely and intervene early when errors are detected. Abort decisions require precise judgment of aircraft performance capabilities.
Probable cause
The student pilot's improper decision to abort the takeoff, which resulted in an overrun of the runway and collision with terrain obstacles.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 17 Feb 1983 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Winslow, AR?
A student pilot aborted a short field takeoff during dual instruction, believing the aircraft was not accelerating sufficiently. The aircraft overran the runway and struck stumps.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Feb 1983 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N9981W, at Winslow, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's improper decision to abort the takeoff, which resulted in an overrun of the runway and collision with terrain obstacles.
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