Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Loses Control During Takeoff, Aircraft Substantially Damaged (N3428R)

Imperial, NE, US

On October 15, 2005, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N3428R) was involved in an aviation accident near Imperial, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining airplane control during the takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 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 student pilot reported losing control during takeoff due to a gust of crosswind, causing the aircraft to veer left and strike a fence post. Substantial damage occurred to the nose gear, propeller, and left wing.

Accident Overview

A student pilot experienced a loss of control during takeoff, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. According to the student pilot's report, the incident occurred shortly after beginning the takeoff roll.

Sequence of Events

The pilot stated that a gust of wind or crosswind from the north lifted the right wing off the ground, causing the airplane to "bicycle" to the left (south). Realizing the airplane was out of control, the pilot performed several actions: turning off the fuel pump, setting the fuel to idle, and adjusting the mixture to lean. The pilot also prepared to exit by readying the door.

Impact and Damage

The airplane came to a sudden stop in soft dirt. The impact broke the front nose gear and bent the propeller. Additionally, the left wing struck a fence post that ran parallel to the runway. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Pilot Report

The student pilot provided a detailed account of the event in the accident report. No other information about the aircraft type, registration, or location was included in the source.

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Oct 2005 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Imperial, NE?

A student pilot reported losing control during takeoff due to a gust of crosswind, causing the aircraft to veer left and strike a fence post. Substantial damage occurred to the nose gear, propeller, and left wing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Oct 2005 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N3428R, at Imperial, NE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot not maintaining airplane control during the takeoff.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051208X01952. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.