No fatalities

Over-Rotation During Short Field Takeoff Leads to Ground Impact (N977RA)

Tooele, UT, US

On May 5, 1997, a Piper PA-46-310P (registration N977RA) was involved in an aviation accident near Tooele, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's excessive rotation of the aircraft during takeoff, and his failure to obtain/maintain adequate airspeed. Inadequate supervision by the instructor pilot (CFI/check pilot) was a related factor. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a flight review, a private pilot over-rotated on a short field takeoff, causing a semi-stalled condition and left wing contact with the runway. Corrections led to a path deviation and throttle reduction, resulting in ground impact and gear collapse.

Takeoff and Over-Rotation

During a flight review conducted by a certified flight instructor (CFI), the private pilot under review applied nose-up elevator trim during the initial roll to assist rotation for a practice short field takeoff. The CFI reported that after brake release, the airplane accelerated normally, and rotation was initiated at approximately 70 knots. The airplane was over-rotated, resulting in an excessively nose-high attitude.

Semi-Stalled Condition and Wing Contact

Immediately after becoming airborne, the airplane entered a semi-stalled condition. The left wing subsequently dropped and made contact with the runway surface. In response, right rudder was applied from the right side of the cockpit, which leveled the wings. However, the aircraft's path had changed to about 30 degrees left of the original runway heading.

Throttle Reduction and Ground Impact

With the nose still high and the pilot observing what appeared to be obstacles in the resultant flight path, the throttle was reduced to idle. Immediate ground impact followed. The impact caused the nose gear and the right main landing gear to collapse. The aircraft then skidded and came to rest perpendicular to the original takeoff heading.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 May 1997 Piper PA-46-310P accident near Tooele, UT?

During a flight review, a private pilot over-rotated on a short field takeoff, causing a semi-stalled condition and left wing contact with the runway. Corrections led to a path deviation and throttle reduction, resulting in ground impact and gear collapse.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 May 1997 Piper PA-46-310P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 May 1997 involved a Piper PA-46-310P, registration N977RA, at Tooele, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's excessive rotation of the aircraft during takeoff, and his failure to obtain/maintain adequate airspeed. Inadequate supervision by the instructor pilot (CFI/check pilot) was a related factor.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08015. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.