N36085

On July 28, 1995, at 1729 central daylight time (CDT), a Piper PA-28R-201, N36085, was destroyed during an aborted takeoff near San Antonio, Texas. The certificated flight instructor sustained serious injuries; the pilot-rated dual student and one passenger received minor injuries. The aircraft, owned and operated by Wright Flyers, Inc., departed San Antonio International Airport (SAT), San Antonio, Texas at 1615 CDT. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight and no flight plan was filed.

In the Pilot/Operator Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the dual student reported that a short field landing was executed. During the subsequent takeoff, "I retracted the flaps and then applied full power, we started the takeoff roll waiting for the airspeed to increase, the airplane lifted off, but we were unable to achieve a positive rate of climb so I decided to abort the takeoff."

The instructor pilot reported in his enclosed report, that during takeoff, the student "unexpectedly retarded the throttle...landed...and began to apply the brakes in accordance with the normal training procedures." He further stated that "within 1 to 2 seconds after landing, I applied full brakes as well. After a few more seconds, it was apparent that we were not slowing down enough to stop by the end of the runway. Under the circumstances, the best decision was to maintain control of the airplane and go straight off the end of the runway." The aircraft subsequently impacted a fence beyond the departure end of the runway. "The left [fuel] tank was ruptured by the fence and [the aircraft] immediately caught on fire."