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Aircraft Hits Parked Airplane During Short Field Takeoff Instruction (N64ML)

Monroe, WA, US

On September 23, 1997, a Cessna 172RG (registration N64ML) operated by Galvin Flying Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Monroe, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the flight instructor to adequately perform remedial action, and her failure to abort the takeoff. 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

A flight instructor and a dual student practicing short field takeoffs experienced premature liftoff at 40 knots, lost directional control, veered off, struck a parked airplane, and lost the right horizontal stabilizer. The instructor landed safely after climbing to 500 feet.

Event Summary

A flight instructor (CFI) was providing instruction on short field takeoffs to a commercial pilot (dual student) who was training to become a CFI. The dual student, seated in the right seat, taxied the airplane to the runway, selected no flaps, applied full power, and released the brakes. The airplane became airborne prematurely at 40 knots, and the dual student lost directional control.

Details

The CFI immediately took control of the airplane. Despite her attempts to maintain directional control and increase airspeed, the airplane veered away from the runway while flying approximately 10 feet above the ground. The airplane then struck another airplane that was parked about 20 feet from the runway's edge. The collision tore the entire right horizontal stabilizer off the airplane that the CFI was flying.

Aftermath

Following the collision, the CFI continued to climb to about 500 feet above ground level, entered the traffic pattern, and landed the airplane safely on Runway 7. No information was provided regarding injuries, damage to the parked aircraft, or the specific type of aircraft involved.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Sept 1997 Cessna 172RG accident near Monroe, WA?

A flight instructor and a dual student practicing short field takeoffs experienced premature liftoff at 40 knots, lost directional control, veered off, struck a parked airplane, and lost the right horizontal stabilizer. The instructor landed safely after climbing to 500 feet.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Sept 1997 Cessna 172RG accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Sept 1997 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N64ML, operated by Galvin Flying Service, Inc., at Monroe, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the flight instructor to adequately perform remedial action, and her failure to abort the takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident include the premature rotation of the airplane by the dual student, the failure of the dual student to maintain adequate airspeed and directional control during the…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08937. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.