Casualties unknown

1988-05-15: Piper PA-20 (N7682K) — Ocean Springs, MS

Ocean Springs, MS, US

On May 15, 1988, a Piper PA-20 (registration N7682K) was involved in an aviation accident near Ocean Springs, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion. 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

During a third touch-and-go landing, the aircraft veered sharply right after flap retraction, struck a fence, and flipped over it to come to rest inverted.

What happened

The instructor pilot reported that the flight was in progress during a training session involving multiple touch-and-go maneuvers. The crew had completed two prior landings and was executing their third attempt. Upon touchdown, the aircraft landed on its main landing gear (wheel landing). As the pilot initiated the retraction of the flaps to prepare for the next takeoff roll, the aircraft began an uncommanded turn toward the right side of the runway.

Despite applying significant left rudder and aileron correction to counteract the drift, the aircraft continued to veer off the paved surface. It crossed the edge of the runway, struck a perimeter fence, and subsequently flipped over the obstacle. The aircraft came to rest in an inverted position on the ground beyond the fence line.

The investigation

The physical examination of the airframe confirmed substantial damage consistent with the described sequence of events. The structure showed signs of impact with the fence and the subsequent rollover. No pre-existing mechanical anomalies were identified that would explain the initial deviation from the runway centerline during the flare or rollout phase.

Findings

The primary factor in this accident was the loss of directional control during the takeoff roll following a touch-and-go landing. The aircraft's tendency to turn right, combined with the pilot's inability to correct it via standard control inputs, led to the runway excursion. The timing of the event coincided with the flap retraction phase, though no direct mechanical failure of the flight controls was evident from the wreckage.

Safety message

Pilots should remain vigilant for asymmetric thrust or control issues during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. Immediate recognition of directional deviations is essential to prevent runway excursions.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25759. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.