On April 14, 1988, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N91371) operated by Airspect Air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Painesville, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a simulated short field takeoff, which resulted in an encounter with a downdraft and subsequent settlement into trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot with minimal experience encountered a downdraft during a simulated short field takeoff, causing the aircraft to settle into nearby trees.
What happened
The flight instructor reported that the accident occurred while conducting a simulated short field takeoff. During this maneuver, the aircraft encountered a downdraft which caused it to settle into the surrounding trees. The pilot in command was a student pilot who had logged just over fifty hours of flight time. The flight instructor held their certificate for only one month.
The investigation
The airport involved was not approved for use by flight instructors employed by the operator conducting the training. This regulatory non-compliance regarding facility usage was noted during the review of the operation's procedures and approvals.
Probable cause
the student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a simulated short field takeoff, which resulted in an encounter with a downdraft and subsequent settlement into trees
What happened in the 14 Apr 1988 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Painesville, OH?
A student pilot with minimal experience encountered a downdraft during a simulated short field takeoff, causing the aircraft to settle into nearby trees.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Apr 1988 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N91371, operated by Airspect Air, Inc., at Painesville, OH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the student pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a simulated short field takeoff, which resulted in an encounter with a downdraft and subsequent settlement into trees
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