Piper PA28
Spokane, WA — September 29, 2018
Event Information
| Date | September 29, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA575 |
| Event ID | 20181003X55231 |
| Location | Spokane, WA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 47.52361, -117.45917 |
| Airport | FOWLERS NW 40 |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | Piper |
| Model | PA28 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 2 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s improper retraction of the flaps during a go-around, which resulted in the airplane’s failure to climb and its subsequent collision with trees.
Full Narrative
The non-instructor rated pilot reported that he agreed to go flying with a student pilot in the student's airplane, and act as pilot in command while seated in the right seat. During the approach to land, with the student on the controls, the airplane was high, but with the "airfield made", full flaps were selected. According to the pilot, the airplane "got slow and low" and the student initiated a go around. During the go around, in a single motion, the pilot raised the flaps to the full up position and the airplane "struggled to fly and climb". Subsequently, the airplane impacted trees at the end of the runway and came to rest on its right side.
The pilot added that the pilot operating handbook states that the flaps should be retracted one notch at a time.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, fuselage, and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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.