Casualties unknown

2003-06-08: Piper PA-44-180 (N578TP) — Battleboro, NC

Battleboro, NC, US

On June 8, 2003, a Piper PA-44-180 (registration N578TP) was involved in an aviation accident near Battleboro, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The certified flight instructor's (CFI) failure to maintain flying speed that resulted in a stall/spin and the uncontrolled collision with the ground. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An instructional flight for multi-engine instrument rating add-on ended when the airplane entered a spin after the engine sound stopped. No mechanical anomalies were found post-crash.

Accident Overview

An instructional flight intended to add a multi-engine instrument rating to a dual student's certified flight instructor certificate ended when the airplane spun into the ground. The flight departed at 1315, and the instrument flight plan was subsequently cancelled, with the flight continuing under visual flight rules.

Flight Maneuvers and Descent

Radar data showed the airplane conducting maneuvers at altitudes between 4,200 and 4,700 feet above ground level. At approximately 1340, an eyewitness reported hearing the airplane flying overhead, then the engine sound stopped. The witness looked up and observed the airplane spinning towards the ground. The witness did not recall hearing the engines running during the final descent.

Pre- and Post-Crash Findings

The pilot reported no flight control or mechanical anomalies prior to the accident. A post-crash examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies with the airframe or systems.

Conclusion

The accident sequence involved a loss of engine sound followed by a spin, but the investigation found no mechanical or control issues that could explain the event.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030616X00876. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.