Casualties unknown

1989-04-02: Piper PA-38-112 (N9504T) — Roblin Enterprises, Inc. — Allegan, MI

Allegan, MI, US

On April 2, 1989, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N9504T) operated by Roblin Enterprises, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Allegan, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER USE OF FLIGHT CONTROLS BY THE STUDENT PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN HIS LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND AN INADVERTENT GROUND SWERVE; AND THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT'S (CFI'S) INADEQUATE SUPERVISION. 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 dual training flight, a student pilot with only 4 hours of flight time mistakenly applied left rudder and brake when instructed to increase aileron input during takeoff. The aircraft veered left, exited the runway, and sustained damage.

Accident Overview

A training flight involving a certified flight instructor (CFI) and a dual student pilot concluded with the aircraft departing the runway during takeoff. The aircraft was damaged after encountering soft grass adjacent to the runway surface.

Sequence of Events

The takeoff roll commenced with the student pilot applying left aileron input as directed to compensate for wind. However, the student prematurely relaxed the aileron pressure. When the CFI instructed the student to increase left aileron, the student misinterpreted the command and instead applied left rudder and left brake. At that moment, the aircraft was traveling at an estimated speed of 45 to 50 miles per hour. The aircraft swerved sharply to the left. The CFI attempted to regain directional control but was unsuccessful. The aircraft then exited the left side of the runway and rolled onto soft grass, which caused damage to the airframe.

Aircraft Damage

The aircraft sustained unspecified damage after running onto soft terrain adjacent to the runway. No further details regarding the extent of the damage were provided.

Pilot Information

The student pilot had accumulated only 4 hours of total flight time at the time of the accident. The CFI had recently obtained his flight instructor certificate on December 20, 1988, and had logged 82 hours of instruction given since that date. No additional pilot qualifications or experience were mentioned.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28059. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.