Casualties unknown

1985-07-03: Piper PA-38 (N2342N) — Derek R. White — Granbury, TX

Granbury, TX, US

On July 3, 1985, a Piper PA-38 (registration N2342N) operated by Derek R. White was involved in an aviation accident near Granbury, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial takeoff climb, which resulted in a loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot allowed airspeed to deteriorate during the initial takeoff climb, resulting in a loss of control at approximately 50 feet above ground level.

What happened

The accident occurred during the initial phase of flight immediately following takeoff. The student pilot was operating the aircraft when the airspeed began to deteriorate significantly. At an altitude of approximately 50 feet above the ground, the pilot lost control of the aircraft.

According to the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) on board, the student froze on the controls at this critical moment. The CFI attempted to intervene but was unable to lower the nose of the aircraft sufficiently to regain adequate airspeed for recovery. Consequently, the aircraft descended into a field located alongside the runway and collided with a wire fence.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the actions of the student pilot during the takeoff climb. Evidence indicated that the primary issue was the deterioration of airspeed. The CFI's account confirmed that the student did not respond appropriately to the developing situation, leading to an unrecoverable descent.

Findings

The loss of control was directly attributed to the student pilot allowing airspeed to drop below safe limits during the initial climb. The inability to recover was exacerbated by the student freezing on the controls, preventing timely corrective action by the CFI.

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial takeoff climb, which resulted in a loss of control.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37126. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.