Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
failure of the student pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane and proper runway alignment, which result in an in-flight collision with a hangar.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On March 22, 1998, about 1650 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-38-112, N2321D, registered to Tampa Flying Service, Inc., crashed during takeoff at the Peter O. Knight Airport, Tampa, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the student pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
The pilot stated to an FAA inspector that he initiated a takeoff from runway 35 with the wind from 310 degrees at 7-10 knots. After becoming airborne, the airplane began drifting to the left and collided with a hangar about 25 feet above ground level.
According to a witness who was near the airport, he observed the airplane during the takeoff roll then during the initial climb. During that time the airplane entered a left bank of about 25-30 degrees with the nose-up attitude increasing. He then lost sight of the airplane and noted the damage to the top portion of the hangar.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA98LA103