Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-180 near Patillas, PR — 2010-02-24

Final reportERA10CA152
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Date
2010-02-24
Location
Patillas, PR, USA
Airport
X64
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-180
Registration
N5212L
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The student pilot’s decision to abort the takeoff with insufficient runway remaining.

NTSB narrative

The certificated flight instructor (CFI) stated that the student pilot was performing the takeoff. Upon reaching 65 knots, the student pilot panicked for no apparent reason and pulled the throttle back to abort the takeoff. The CFI knew that there was not enough runway remaining to safely stop, and took control of the airplane to continue the takeoff. The airplane was able to clear trees at the departure end of the runway, but the CFI stated that he was too low to gain airspeed or a positive rate of climb. The CFI elected to land in a river to avoid trees and rising terrain immediately ahead, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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