Piper PA-28-161
Vero Beach, FL, February 29, 2008
Event Information
| Date | February 29, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Vero Beach, FL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 27.65917, -80.41889 |
| Airport | Vero Beach Municipal Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
| NTSB Number | MIA08CA069 |
| Event ID | 20080416X00495 |
Aircraft
| Make | Piper |
| Model | PA-28-161 |
| Registration # | N9204L |
| Owner | Flight Safety Academy |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during an aborted takeoff.
Full Narrative
The student pilot's instructor briefed and reviewed with the student several operational issues, including crosswind component limitations, before the accident flight, which was to be a solo cross country flight.
The student pilot stated that he taxied on the runway lining up with the center line. He noted wind direction and deflected the ailerons accordingly. He began the takeoff roll and at approximately 36 knots, indicated on the airspeed indicator, the left wing suddenly lifted off the ground and the airplane tilted to the left. At that moment, he reduced engine power to idle to abort the takeoff. The airplane continued rolling to the left towards the grass. The right wing hit a distance marker on the side of the runway. The student pilot stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.
The responding FAA inspector stated that student pilot lost directional control of the airplane, which veered off the left side of the runway and impacted a distance marker about the 2,000 feet down the runway.
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.