On February 19, 1988, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N9331T) was involved in an aviation accident near Washington, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff attempt, which resulted in the aircraft running off the runway and colliding with a ditch. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot lost directional control during a crosswind takeoff attempt after receiving dual instruction, causing the aircraft to run off the runway and collide with a ditch.
What happened
The incident occurred following a flight training session focused on crosswind takeoffs and landings. The student pilot had received dual instruction for these maneuvers. After the instructor pilot deplaned to observe the student's subsequent solo attempts, the student initiated the first takeoff.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft lost directional control. It departed the left side of the runway and collided with a nearby ditch. The instructor pilot later reported that surface winds were between 8 and 10 knots at the time of the event.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the immediate circumstances of the loss of control during the takeoff phase. Evidence indicated that the aircraft was unable to maintain runway alignment during the initial climb attempt under the reported wind conditions.
Findings
Contributing factors included the crosswind conditions and the student pilot's inability to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. The surface winds were noted as a relevant environmental factor.
Probable cause
The student pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff attempt, which resulted in the aircraft running off the runway and colliding with a ditch.