Casualties unknown

Stall and Runway Excursion During Soft Field Takeoff Training (N5836P)

Clearwater, FL, US

On December 19, 1998, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N5836P) operated by Mark R. Whitney was involved in an aviation accident near Clearwater, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The delay by the pilot-in-command (CFI) to take control of the airplane and inadvertent stall/mush resulting in the uncontrolled descent and impact with the runway. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a training flight, a student applied excessive right rudder, causing a cross-controlled stall. The airplane struck the runway, veered off onto grass, and sustained landing gear collapse.

Accident Overview

A student pilot, who had failed the soft field takeoff procedure during a commercial checkride three days earlier, was flying with a flight instructor for additional training. The instructor noted that the student had a tendency to allow the airplane to drift left after the nose wheel lifted off the ground.

Takeoff and Stall

The flight departed, and during the student's performance of a soft field takeoff, the airplane began drifting to the left. The instructor advised the student to apply "a lot more right rudder!" In response, the student applied what the instructor described as "way too much" right rudder, placing the airplane in a cross-controlled condition. The instructor attempted to regain control, but the airplane stalled. The left wing then contacted the runway, followed by the right wing.

Post-Stall Excursion

After the wing strikes, the airplane traveled off the runway onto grass and came to rest with the right main landing gear collapsed.

Instructor's Statement

The instructor stated that he should have taken corrective action sooner.

Aircraft Examination

Examination of the airplane revealed a bent and broken threaded portion of a rod end for the retract/extension rod.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11604. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.