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Instructor and Student Lose Directional Control During Ground Effect Flap Retraction (N2536N)

Madison, WI, US

On November 5, 1997, a Piper PA-38 (registration N2536N) operated by Wisconsin Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Madison, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the flight instructor's (CFI's) inadequate supervision of the flight, and his failure to ensure that control of the airplane was maintained. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A flight instructor and student were practicing in ground effect with full flaps when the instructor raised the flaps and became distracted. The airplane veered left, and the right wing contacted a runway light.

Incident Description

A flight instructor (CFI) and a student pilot were conducting a training flight. The CFI had the student fly the airplane down the runway in ground effect with the flaps fully extended. The CFI then retracted the flaps to the first notch. At that moment, the instructor became distracted. According to the CFI, by the time attention returned to the airplane, it had veered to the left side of the runway.

Sequence of Events

The instructor reported that the airplane was too slow to fly out of ground effect. In an attempt to recover, full power was added. Subsequently, the right wing of the airplane contacted a runway light located off the left side of the runway.

Outcome

The right wing made contact with a runway light off the left side of the runway. No further details about damage or injuries were provided in the source.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Nov 1997 Piper PA-38 accident near Madison, WI?

A flight instructor and student were practicing in ground effect with full flaps when the instructor raised the flaps and became distracted. The airplane veered left, and the right wing contacted a runway light.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Nov 1997 Piper PA-38 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Nov 1997 involved a Piper PA-38, registration N2536N, operated by Wisconsin Aviation, at Madison, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the flight instructor's (CFI's) inadequate supervision of the flight, and his failure to ensure that control of the airplane was maintained. Factors associated with the accident were: the CFI's improper use of flaps, and subsequent contact with the runway light.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09143. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.