Pilot Debrief

PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES SPA P180 near Sugar Land, TX — 2023-05-27

Final reportWPR23LA205
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Date
2023-05-27
Location
Sugar Land, TX, USA
Airport
SGR
Aircraft
PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES SPA P180
Registration
N327A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to complete required preflight checklist items and properly configure the flaps for takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, shortly after rotation, he cycled the gear up. The airplane then descended and contacted the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the lower fuselage. The flap control lever and the flaps were found in the “UP” position following the accident. Review of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) directed the flaps to be set to MID during the before taxi check and to check flaps MID during the before takeoff check. The AFM ALSO stated, in part, “No takeoff authorized without flaps, or with non-symmetrical flap configuration or annunciated flap asymmetry.” The pilot said he could not recall setting the flaps to “MID” position prior to takeoff. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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