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PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA-28-181 accident at Grand Forks, ND, 28 May 2023
On May 28, 2023, a PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA-28-181 operated by UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Forks, ND. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot’s failure to attain a proper takeoff attitude while demonstrating a soft field takeoff and his improper control inputs resulting in a dragged wing. Contributing to the accident were the gusting wind conditions. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 17 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to attain a proper takeoff attitude while demonstrating a soft field takeoff and his improper control inputs resulting in a dragged wing. Contributing to the accident were the gusting wind conditions.
— NTSB Determination
Contributing factors
Student/instructed pilotContributed to outcome
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 28 May 2023 PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA-28-181 accident near Grand Forks, ND?
The student pilot’s failure to attain a proper takeoff attitude while demonstrating a soft field takeoff and his improper control inputs resulting in a dragged wing. Contributing to the accident were the gusting wind conditions.
Were there any fatalities in the 28 May 2023 PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA-28-181 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 May 2023 involved a PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA-28-181, operated by UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA, at Grand Forks, ND.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot’s failure to attain a proper takeoff attitude while demonstrating a soft field takeoff and his improper control inputs resulting in a dragged wing. Contributing to the accident were the gusting wind conditions.
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