No fatalities

27 Feb 2017: PIPER PA28 181 — TransPac Aviation Academy — Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ, United States

On 27 Feb 2017, a PIPER PA28 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 incorrect control inputs while taking off with a known quartering tailwind, which resulted in a loss of directional control and runway excursion. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 17 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During an introductory soft field takeoff lesson, the flight instructor and student experienced control difficulties. The airplane drifted right, settled back, and after a second airborne attempt, stopped off the runway. Post-accident inspection revealed substantial damage to the rear carry through wing spar.

Incident Description

A flight instructor was providing an introduction to soft field takeoffs to a student. After switching to the tower frequency, they received updated wind and altimeter information. The instructor noted a rear quartering crosswind condition. During the takeoff roll, the instructor held the yoke back with right aileron input. As the airplane began to lift off, back pressure on the yoke was reduced. The airplane then drifted to the right and settled back onto the runway. The instructor applied additional right aileron and rudder, along with more back elevator, which reduced forward visibility. The airplane became airborne again at approximately 45 knots, but continued to drift to the right of the runway centerline. The instructor reduced power, landed, and the airplane came to a stop off the right side of the runway. The airplane was subsequently taxied back to parking without further incident.

The aircraft was departing on runway 7R, and the wind at the time was reported as 300° at 10 knots.

Aircraft Damage

A post-accident examination revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the rear carry through wing spar.

Additional Information

The chief flight instructor reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Causes

Crosswind correction — Not attained/maintainedDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedInstructor/check pilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationContributed to outcome