Casualties unknown

1995-01-16: Piper PA-28-181 (N39955) — Eagle Aviation — Brookfield, WI

Brookfield, WI, US

On January 16, 1995, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N39955) operated by Eagle Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Brookfield, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The instructor's failure to maintain clearance with trees. Factors associated with the accident were the trees and the night lighting conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 10 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

During a night instructional flight, a flight instructor took control for the fourth landing. On short final, the left wing struck trees, separated, and the aircraft came to rest inverted. No mechanical anomalies were reported.

Flight Details

A private pilot and a flight instructor were conducting an instructional flight at night. After returning from the local practice area, the private pilot performed three takeoffs and landings. For the fourth approach and landing, the flight instructor accepted the private pilot's invitation and took full control of the airplane.

Accident Sequence

The instructor reported that all appeared normal during the final approach, including centerline tracking. While the airplane was on short final, the left wing struck a tree. The instructor immediately applied full power. Subsequently, the left wing struck a second tree, and the wing separated from the airplane. The airplane then impacted the ground in an inverted position.

Post-Impact

Neither the instructor nor the private pilot reported any preimpact mechanical or other anomalies. The aircraft came to rest inverted after the wing separation and ground impact.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X02836. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.