On May 1, 1996, a Piper PA-22-135 (registration N1209C) operated by Aaron W. Scarborough was involved in an aviation accident near Cochran, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the flight instructor (CFI) to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff, when the airplane encountered an uneven area on the airstrip and becoming airborne prematurely; and his failure to maintain clearance (or altitude) from… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff, an airplane hit a bump, became airborne prematurely, veered right at slow airspeed. The CFI continued the takeoff, lowered the nose to gain airspeed, but could not clear trees, resulting in a collision with trees and terrain.
Event Narrative
According to the certified flight instructor (CFI) involved, the airplane encountered a bump on the takeoff roll. This caused the airplane to become airborne prematurely. Following this, the airplane veered to the right while at a very slow airspeed. Despite this situation, the CFI decided to continue the takeoff rather than abort and land. The CFI lowered the nose of the airplane in an attempt to gain airspeed. However, he was unable to achieve sufficient airspeed and altitude to clear trees that were located ahead of the flight path. Subsequently, the airplane collided with the trees and then impacted the terrain.
Findings
The investigation focused on the sequence of events as described by the CFI. The initial bump on the takeoff roll led to an unintended liftoff. The subsequent veer to the right at low airspeed presented a challenge. The decision to continue the takeoff rather than land was made by the CFI. The attempt to increase airspeed by lowering the nose did not provide enough performance to avoid the trees.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 May 1996 Piper PA-22-135 accident near Cochran, GA?
During takeoff, an airplane hit a bump, became airborne prematurely, veered right at slow airspeed. The CFI continued the takeoff, lowered the nose to gain airspeed, but could not clear trees, resulting in a collision with trees and terrain.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 May 1996 involved a Piper PA-22-135, registration N1209C, operated by Aaron W. Scarborough, at Cochran, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
failure of the flight instructor (CFI) to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff, when the airplane encountered an uneven area on the airstrip and becoming airborne prematurely; and his failure to maintain clearance (or altitude) from trees, which were adjacent to the airstrip. The uneven surface…
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