Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the airplane veering off the left side of the runway. A factor was the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On April 18, 1995, about 1500 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-151, N188AV, piloted by Lionel Blackman, and operated by Flight Ways, was substantially damaged during the takeoff roll at Republic Airport, Farmingdale, New York. The pilot received no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
During a telephone interview, the student pilot reported that this was his first supervised solo. Just prior to the accident flight, the student and instructor practiced touch and go landings, and no problems were encountered. The instructor then exited the airplane, and the student prepared for the solo flight.
No problems were encountered during the taxi to runway 19, which was a 5516 foot long and 150 foot wide runway. During the initial takeoff roll, the airplane was on the runway center line. Suddenly, the airplane veered to the left. The student pilot attempted to correct with right rudder. The airplane continued off the left side of the runway and came to rest nose down in a ditch.
Additionally, in the NTSB form 6120.1/2, the student pilot stated, "...I should have cut power...."
According to a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector, there were no discrepancies with the airplane.
The winds reported at the Republic Airport, at 1506, were from 170 degrees at 7 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC95LA089