N6412W

Substantial
None

Piper PA28S/N: 28-20481

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, March 28, 2019
NTSB Number
ERA19CA289
Location
Winder, GA
Event ID
20191217X11159
Coordinates
33.982776, -83.667221
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot’s loss of airplane control, the flight instructor's delayed remedial action, and the student's delay in relinquishing the flight controls, which resulted in the airplane striking a runway sign during a go-around.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-20481
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1964
Model / ICAO
PA28P28A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
PA-28-140

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
FLYING OTTER AVIATION LLC
Address
3306 CLASSIC DR
City
SNELLVILLE
State / Zip Code
GA 30078-3526
Country
United States

Analysis

During an instructional flight, the student pilot and flight instructor planned to stay in the traffic pattern for touch and go landing practice. During the third approach, just prior to the landing flare, the airplane began to drift to the right side of the runway. The flight instructor noticed that the student was cross controlling with the nose of the airplane point towards the right. He took over the controls and initiated a go-around. The flight instructor stated that the student pilot did not immediately remove his feet from the rudder pedals, which made his control inputs "less effective." While still airborne, the airplane struck a runway sign. The flight instructor continued the go-around and landed without further incident. He reported that the flight controls were "free and correct" and did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the right wing.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA19CA289