N5117L

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-28-180S/N: 28-4400

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, January 24, 2009
NTSB Number
WPR09CA099
Location
Bisbee, AZ
Event ID
20090125X55400
Coordinates
31.468889, -109.603614
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
3
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight and delay in remedial action.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-4400
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1967
Model / ICAO
PA-28-180P28A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
PA-28-180

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
EMERY JONATHAN D
Address
1009 N AVIATOR PKWY
City
PAYSON
State / Zip Code
AZ 85541-3563
Country
United States

Analysis

During the instructional flight, the student pilot initiated the takeoff roll normally. As the airplane accelerated, it began to weave back and forth until it suddenly yawed sharply to the left. The flight instructor applied back pressure to the control yoke and the airplane became airborne. As the student pilot relinquished control of the airplane, she removed her hand from the throttle and inadvertently reduced it to the idle position. The flight instructor immediately advanced the throttle to the full open position as the airplane started to descend. Subsequently, the right main landing gear struck the runway precision approach path indicator lights and impacted the ground, resulting in structural damage to the fuselage. The flight instructor and student pilot stated that there were no anomalies with the flight control system or the engine at the time of the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR09CA099