PIPER PA 28
Fresno, CA — October 19, 2016
Event Information
| Date | October 19, 2016 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA035 |
| Event ID | 20161024X95534 |
| Location | Fresno, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 36.77167, -119.70834 |
| Airport | FRESNO YOSEMITE INTL |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA 28 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during departure due to being distracted by looking for his phone.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he flew to a tower-controlled airport to practice simulated engine failure approach and landings. During departure following his fifth approach, he wanted to know what time it was and began looking for his phone, including reaching behind the seat to find it. He further reported that he must have been pulling back on the yoke while searching and when he looked forward, the airplane was in a right yaw. He reported that he does not remember anything after that, but believed that the airplane aerodynamically stalled and subsequently impacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.