No fatalities

10 Aug 2013: PIPER PA-28-180 — R. Evan Gallant — Poteau, OK

Poteau, OK, United States

On 10 Aug 2013, a PIPER PA-28-180 operated by R. Evan Gallant was involved in an aviation accident near Poteau, OK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s application of excessive left rudder during the takeoff roll, resulting in a loss of directional control, his failure to correct the excursion with opposite rudder, and his failure to abort the takeoff in a timely manner. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A 23-hour student pilot attempting a soft field takeoff lost directional control, exited the runway, and struck the ground, causing substantial damage to the aircraft.

Incident Details

A student pilot with 23 hours of flight experience was practicing a soft field takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the pilot applied full aft elevator control. As the airplane's nose rose and it lifted off the ground, the pilot lowered the nose slightly. He reported that he might have applied excessive left rudder, as the airplane began to veer toward the left side of the runway and onto the adjacent grass.

Pilot's Account

The pilot reduced engine power and touched down on the runway, but the airplane continued moving toward the grass. He then applied full power, and the airplane continued its excursion off the runway surface. The pilot stated that he "froze" and was "just along for the ride." He could not recall any further details of the event.

Damage

During the excursion, the left wing was torn off outboard of the fuel tank, and the right main landing gear became embedded in the right wing.

Contributing factors

Student pilot