Accident Overview
On August 16, 2021, at about 2032 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-140, N98304, operated by Airline Training Academy Inc. (dba ATA Flight School), was substantially damaged in an accident in Orlando, Florida. The private pilot was seriously injured, and the flight instructor received minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight.
Flight Details
According to the flight instructor, the purpose of the flight was for the private pilot to accrue flight time toward a commercial pilot certificate. The flight departed North Perry Airport (HWO), Hollywood, Florida, about 1855, destined for Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). The private pilot occupied the left seat, and the flight instructor acted as safety pilot in the right seat. Before departure, they completed the preflight checklist, added oil, and confirmed full fuel tanks.
About 30 miles from ORL, the flight instructor requested VFR flight following from air traffic control. They received a weather update and were asked to remain outside Orlando Class B airspace, leading them to fly around weather. They were handed off to ORL tower at approximately 2020.
Emergency Descent
As they approached the airport, the private pilot was flying. He switched fuel tanks and, about 700 feet msl, found the throttle unresponsive. He alerted the flight instructor and handed over control. The flight instructor confirmed the throttle issue, then the private pilot ran the emergency checklist while the instructor pitched the nose up to reduce descent rate. The instructor declared an emergency with ORL tower and conducted a forced landing.
After the airplane came to rest, the flight instructor noticed the private pilot was unconscious and began removing him. The private pilot regained some consciousness, and the instructor assisted him to an urgent care center about 100 yards away. Both received medical attention and were later transported to a hospital.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination by the NTSB revealed impact damage to the fuselage firewall and cockpit belly skin, with downward deformation at the tail cone. The nose gear was separated, and engine cowlings were damaged. Control continuity was established. The carburetor heat control was off, flaps up, electric fuel pump on. The fuel selector valve cover was not installed per manufacturer guidance; it was attached with oversized screws interfering with selector movement, and the cover was in an incorrect orientation. The fuel selector was found between the L TANK and FUEL OFF positions. Fuel line continuity was only confirmed after repositioning the selector.
The left wing fuel tank contained 5 gallons of fuel; the right wing tank, 10 gallons. The left wing had high-expansion foam visible through breaks, and a blue liquid consistent with aviation gasoline was observed. The fuel cap was missing. The engine was test run after repairs; it operated normally up to 2,500 rpm with no anomalies.
Maintenance History
On July 27, 2021, a 100-hour inspection was certified as airworthy by the individual listed as operator. On August 3, 2021, an FAA ramp inspection found 42 discrepancies, including improper fuel selector valve handle and placard. The owner stated the airplane would not be used. On August 8, 2021, a mechanic installed a customer-supplied fuel selector valve cover, certifying work per Piper service manual sections that did not address fuel selector installation. The mechanic's company shared ownership ties with the flight school.
Title 14 CFR 91.403(a) places primary responsibility for aircraft airworthiness on the owner or operator. Piper guidance documents for proper fuel selector installation were available.