No fatalities

Soft Field Takeoff Demonstration Results in Runway Excursion and Wing Damage

Phoenix, AZ, United States

On March 21, 2010, a PIPER PA-28-181 operated by TransPac Aviation Academy was involved in an aviation accident near Phoenix, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's failure to attain and maintain adequate airspeed while demonstrating a soft-field takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 17 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a soft field takeoff demonstration, a flight instructor and student experienced two stall horn activations. The aircraft veered left, struck a sign, and sustained substantial damage.

Event Sequence

A flight instructor was demonstrating a soft field takeoff to a student. During the takeoff roll, the instructor applied full back pressure on the yoke. He heard the stall horn and subsequently lowered the nose. As the aircraft left the ground, the instructor heard the stall horn a second time. The airplane's right wing began to rise as the aircraft reached an estimated altitude of 20 feet above ground level. The instructor checked that the throttle was full forward, but the airplane would not accelerate. As the airplane continued to turn left, it departed the left side of the runway, and the left wing impacted a runway information sign.

Post-Accident Condition

The airplane came to a stop in the grass off the left side of the runway. The left wing's forward spar was damaged and the left fuel tank was ruptured. The right wing's outer 4 feet (estimated) was bent up, and the engine's fire wall was wrinkled.

Contributing factors

Airspeed — Not attained/maintainedInstructor/check pilot

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Mar 2010 PIPER PA-28-181 accident near Phoenix, AZ?

During a soft field takeoff demonstration, a flight instructor and student experienced two stall horn activations. The aircraft veered left, struck a sign, and sustained substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Mar 2010 PIPER PA-28-181 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Mar 2010 involved a PIPER PA-28-181, operated by TransPac Aviation Academy, at Phoenix, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight instructor's failure to attain and maintain adequate airspeed while demonstrating a soft-field takeoff.