Accident Details
On September 17, 2025, at 1000 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181 100i, registration N580JA, sustained substantial damage in an accident near Astatula, Florida. The aircraft was operated as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The student pilot, who was the sole occupant, received minor injuries.
Sequence of Events
The student pilot was conducting three solo full-stop/taxi-back landings. During her third landing approach, she initiated a go-around due to traffic on the runway and subsequently departed the traffic pattern because of congestion. While climbing, she engaged the autopilot and set it for a climb, then switched fuel tanks. After switching tanks, she observed increasing airspeed and engine rpm as the airplane descended. She disconnected the autopilot, reduced engine power, and leveled the nose to stop the descent. Shortly after, the airplane pitched down and descended again. She applied maximum back pressure on the controls to raise the nose, but the descent continued. Realizing she could not arrest the descent, she located a dirt road and attempted to land. During the landing, the right wing struck a power pole and a fence, resulting in substantial damage to both wings. The right wing was partially separated mid-span, and the left wingtip was crushed.
Postaccident Examination
Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed that the stabilator trim tab was deflected to the full nose-down position. This position was consistent with the cockpit indicator. The pilot stated that she did not manipulate the stabilator trim controls during the accident sequence. The wreckage was retained for further examination.