Casualties unknown

1996-08-22: Piper PA-38-112 (N2465K) — Jack's Aircraft — Sisters, OR

Sisters, OR, US

On August 22, 1996, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2465K) operated by Jack's Aircraft was involved in an aviation accident near Sisters, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: inadequate preflight planning/preparation by the flight instructor (CFI), and his failure to obtain and/or maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall. 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 student pilot and CFI experienced a stall and collision with terrain after takeoff. The airplane was overweight and density altitude was high; flaps were fully extended and elevator trim nearly full nose up.

Background

According to the student pilot, the first leg of an instructional cross-country flight concluded with an uneventful full flap landing at the airstrip. The student later stated that he did not feel comfortable with the subsequent takeoff due to the airplane being heavy and the density altitude being high.

Sequence of Events

During the takeoff roll, the student followed along as the certified flight instructor (CFI) operated the controls up to the point of rotation. At rotation, the CFI had full control of the airplane. During the climb, the student noticed the airspeed decreasing below 70 knots and called out when it reached 55 knots. At about that time, the student lightly pushed forward on the control yoke, but the CFI continued to pull back. The airplane entered a stall, and the nose and right wing dropped. Subsequently, the airplane collided with hilly terrain approximately half a mile north of the airstrip.

Post-Accident Examination

Weight and balance calculations revealed that the airplane was about 100 pounds over the maximum certificated gross weight. The density altitude was calculated at 5,252 feet. During an examination, the flaps were found fully extended and the elevator trim was in a nearly full nose-up position. An engine examination found no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06635. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.