Accident Details
On March 7, 2009, at approximately 1147 eastern standard time, a Cirrus SR-22, registration N574PG, crashed into a ditch during a simulated soft field takeoff at Montauk Airport (MTP) in Montauk, New York. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot were not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, and no flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
Pilot Statements
The student pilot reported that the CFI instructed him to perform a simulated short-field takeoff. The student pulled back on the elevator, added full power, and began the takeoff roll. As the airplane accelerated, the nose rose, and he attempted to transition into ground effect. The main landing gear touched down, and the airplane veered off the runway. The student pilot stated that both he and the CFI tried to regain control, but the right wing contacted the runway, and the airplane collided with a ditch. The student added that he never released the controls after the instructor attempted a recovery. He did not report any mechanical issues or flight control anomalies.
According to the CFI, he instructed the student to simulate a soft-field takeoff. He directed the student to start the takeoff roll, rotate, and achieve ground effect. The airplane briefly climbed before the main gear settled back onto the runway. The airplane then rolled and yawed to the right before striking a ditch. The CFI noted that there was no positive exchange of flight controls between him and the student. He also stated that he had never previously demonstrated the accident maneuver to the student nor provided any formal ground instruction on its execution. The CFI reported no mechanical problems or flight control anomalies.
Aircraft Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and confirmed flight control continuity throughout the airframe.
Weather Conditions
A weather observation at Montauk Airport around the time of the accident indicated calm wind conditions.