Casualties unknown

1990-09-19: Piper PA-38-112 (N2516E) — Santa Cruz Aviation — Watsonville, CA

Watsonville, CA, US

On September 19, 1990, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2516E) operated by Santa Cruz Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Watsonville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER HANDLING OF THE AIRCRAFT BY THE STUDENT PILOT, WHICH RESULTED IN HIS FAILURE TO ATTAIN SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED TO CLIMB AFTER TAKEOFF, AND THE INSTRUCTOR'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

A CFI and student performed a rough field takeoff from a 2200-foot dirt/grass strip. The aircraft became airborne early, stall warning sounded, and it would not accelerate or climb. It struck a bush or low tree and crashed.

Accident Sequence

During a training flight, a certified flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot landed on a rough dirt/grass strip measuring 2200 feet in length. The CFI reported that as the student initiated a rough field takeoff from the strip, the aircraft became airborne "just before the middle point of the runway." At that moment, the stall warning began to sound. The CFI stated that he pushed the yoke forward in an attempt to coax acceleration, but the aircraft's speed remained at approximately 55 knots, and the aircraft would not accelerate or climb.

Aircraft Performance

According to the CFI, the aircraft remained about 10 feet above the surface and felt overweight, underpowered, and sluggish. With insufficient runway remaining to abort the takeoff, the CFI hoped to gain acceleration while descending over a bluff located beyond the end of the runway. However, the aircraft struck a bush or low tree, then rotated about its vertical axis and crashed. The CFI reported that the stall warning continued to sound until the aircraft "started sliding down the bluff."

Post-Accident Examination

No preimpact mechanical problem was found with the aircraft. The CFI and student were the sole occupants; no information on injuries was provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24308. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.