Casualties unknown

1991-05-10: Piper PA-38-112 (N2587N) — Northland Aircraft Services — Monticello, MN

Monticello, MN, US

On May 10, 1991, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2587N) operated by Northland Aircraft Services was involved in an aviation accident near Monticello, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S (CFI) DELAYED REMEDIAL ACTION. RELATED FACTORS ARE THE GUSTY CROSSWIND, THE STUDENT PILOT'S LACK OF TOTAL EXPERIENCE, INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR CROSSWIND CONDITIONS, AND THE CFI'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot lost directional control during a soft field takeoff when a gust lifted the right wing, causing the airplane to veer left off the turf runway.

Incident Overview

A post-solo student pilot was performing a soft field takeoff on Runway 18, a turf runway measuring 2,550 feet by 140 feet. The wind was variable between 220 and 260 degrees at 15 knots, with gusts to 22 knots.

Sequence of Events

According to the student pilot, as the airplane began to rotate, a gust of wind lifted the right wing. The airplane then veered off the left side of the runway. The flight instructor was unable to regain control of the airplane.

Final Position

The airplane came to a stop approximately 75 feet from the left edge of the runway, nosed down in a soft field. The student pilot reported that the runway condition was rough and bumpy, making directional control difficult.

Contributing Factors

No contributing factors were explicitly stated in the source.

Probable Cause

The source did not state a probable cause.

Safety Information

No safety recommendations or lessons were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16971. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.