Casualties unknown

1989-11-27: Piper PA-23-160 (N289RL) — Bourland Field Inc. — Cresson, TX

Cresson, TX, US

On November 27, 1989, a Piper PA-23-160 (registration N289RL) operated by Bourland Field Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Cresson, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE STUDENT PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE AND THE CFI'S INABILITY TO REGAIN CONTROL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF BRAKES ON THE CFI'S SIDE OF THE AIRPLANE. 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 touch-and-go landing in a multiengine training flight, a student overcorrected a left yaw, causing extreme right yaw. The instructor took control but found the rudder ineffective; the airplane left the runway, struck trees and a fence, and came to rest off the side.

Incident Overview

A multiengine airplane being used for instruction experienced a loss of directional control during a touch-and-go landing, resulting in a runway excursion. The instructor reported that the landing was normal and the student pilot cleaned up the airplane after touchdown. The student then applied full power for takeoff, causing the airplane to yaw left. The student overcorrected, leading to an extreme yaw to the right.

The instructor took control of the airplane and attempted to regain directional control but stated that the rudder was not effective enough. The airplane had no brakes on the right side. The instructor reduced the power to idle. The airplane departed the right side of the runway, striking trees, a fence, and a fence post, and came to a stop approximately 300 yards off the side of the runway in a shallow depression.

Post-Accident Information

A passenger in the rear seat later stated that the instructor had reached for the throttles but only closed the right engine throttle. The left engine ceased operation after impact with a fence post. No pre-impact problems could be found with the airplane or its powerplants.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29806. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.