No fatalities
15 Jan 2023: PIPER PA-28-180 — Christopher Cardoza — San Diego, CA
On 15 Jan 2023, a PIPER PA-28-180 operated by Christopher Cardoza was involved in an aviation accident near San Diego, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor’s failure to maintain altitude while maneuvering to another runway after the engine cowling opened shortly after takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The flight instructor’s failure to maintain altitude while maneuvering to another runway after the engine cowling opened shortly after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the failure of both the student pilot and flight instructor to conduct an adequate preflight inspection.
— NTSB Determination
Contributing factors
PilotIncorrect use/operationAltitude — Not attained/maintainedInstructor/check pilot