On July 23, 2001, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N23475) operated by Matthew Hagen Sederstrom was involved in an aviation accident near Tracy, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadvertent stall during the initial takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were the student pilot's premature lift-off of the airplane during the initial takeoff, the instructor pilot's inadequate supervision, and the fences. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a biennial flight review, a student pilot's back pressure caused the airplane to stall, resulting in a hard landing, fence strike, and stop in a soybean field.
Incident Overview
An instructor pilot reported that during a biennial flight review, the dual student pilot held back pressure on the yoke during the initial takeoff to lift the nose wheel off the runway. The instructor noted the indicated airspeed was approximately 50 to 55 knots. As the student pilot began to lift the main gear off the runway, the airspeed remained low.
Stall and Impact
The instructor allowed the student to increase back pressure, which stalled the airplane and increased the sink rate. The airplane subsequently struck the ground near the south end of the runway, collided with a fence, and came to rest in a soybean field.
Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies.
What happened in the 23 Jul 2001 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Tracy, MN?
During a biennial flight review, a student pilot's back pressure caused the airplane to stall, resulting in a hard landing, fence strike, and stop in a soybean field.
Were there any fatalities in the 23 Jul 2001 Piper PA-38-112 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jul 2001 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N23475, operated by Matthew Hagen Sederstrom, at Tracy, MN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The inadvertent stall during the initial takeoff. Factors relating to the accident were the student pilot's premature lift-off of the airplane during the initial takeoff, the instructor pilot's inadequate supervision, and the fences.
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