Loss of directional control during takeoff roll

Casualties unknown • Searcy, AR, US

A private pilot lost control of an aircraft during a go-around maneuver, resulting in the plane exiting the runway and coming to rest in a drainage ditch.

What happened

During an instructional flight intended to familiarize a private pilot with the aircraft, an incident occurred during a takeoff roll. The flight involved an instrument-rated private pilot and an instructor pilot.

After landing on runway 01, the instructor pilot retracted the flaps and instructed the private pilot to perform a go-around. As the private pilot applied takeoff power, the aircraft began to veer toward the right side of the runway. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation using full rudder and aileron deflection along with maximum braking, but these actions failed to return the airplane to the runway centerline.

As a result of the loss of directional control, the aircraft exited the right side of the runway. The plane eventually came to rest in a nose-down position within a drainage ditch located between the runway and a taxiway. There were no injuries reported following the event.

Probable cause

The pilot lost directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll of a go-around maneuver.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-05-16 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Searcy, AR?

A private pilot lost control of an aircraft during a go-around maneuver, resulting in the plane exiting the runway and coming to rest in a drainage ditch.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-05-16 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N3711P, at Searcy, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll of a go-around maneuver.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10078. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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