On October 19, 2016, a PIPER PA 28 140 was involved in an aviation accident near Fresno, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during departure due to being distracted by looking for his phone. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot reported becoming distracted while searching for his phone during simulated engine failure practice, leading to a loss of control and impact with terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
Incident Details
The pilot was practicing simulated engine failure approaches and landings at a tower-controlled airport. After completing the fifth approach and during departure, he began looking for his phone to check the time, including reaching behind the seat. While doing so, he must have been pulling back on the yoke. When he looked forward, the airplane was in a right yaw. He does not remember anything after that but believes the airplane aerodynamically stalled and subsequently impacted the ground.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
Mechanical Report
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
What happened in the 19 Oct 2016 PIPER PA 28 140 accident near Fresno, CA?
A pilot reported becoming distracted while searching for his phone during simulated engine failure practice, leading to a loss of control and impact with terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
Were there any fatalities in the 19 Oct 2016 PIPER PA 28 140 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Oct 2016 involved a PIPER PA 28 140, at Fresno, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during departure due to being distracted by looking for his phone.
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