Paraglider Crash in Puente Alto Injures Pilot and Passenger
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
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PIPER PA28 181 accident at Melbourne, FL, 13 Feb 2024
On February 13, 2024, a PIPER PA28 181 operated by FIT Aviation, LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Melbourne, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to correctly identify the runway centerline prior to initiating the nighttime takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a runway edge light and subsequent runway excursion. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to correctly identify the runway centerline prior to initiating the nighttime takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a runway edge light and subsequent runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate monitoring of the pilot.
— NTSB Determination
Contributing factors
Student/instructed pilotInstructor/check pilotResponse/compensation
All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 13 Feb 2024 PIPER PA28 181 accident near Melbourne, FL?
The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to correctly identify the runway centerline prior to initiating the nighttime takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a runway edge light and subsequent runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate monitoring of the pilot.
Were there any fatalities in the 13 Feb 2024 PIPER PA28 181 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Feb 2024 involved a PIPER PA28 181, operated by FIT Aviation, LLC, at Melbourne, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to correctly identify the runway centerline prior to initiating the nighttime takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a runway edge light and subsequent runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate monitoring of the pilot.
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