Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 28R-200 near Centennial, CO — 2017-02-18

Final reportCEN17LA122
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Date
2017-02-18
Location
Centennial, CO, USA
Airport
APA
Aircraft
PIPER PA 28R-200
Registration
N2702R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The loss of airplane control during takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

A flight instructor and a private pilot receiving instruction were departing for an instructional flight from runway 17L. The pilot receiving instruction reported that after liftoff, the engine rpm was high but that the airplane was not gaining altitude. The instructor reported that shortly after takeoff, he felt as if something was pushing the airplane downward. He stated that the engine had full rpm and that the throttle and mixture controls were full forward. He recalled seeing that the airspeed was about 65 knots and hearing the stall warning horn. The pilot receiving instruction reported that the airspeed was at 55 knots before he braced for impact. The airplane contacted the ground about 1 mile from the end of the runway. Landing gear track marks showed all three landing gear on the ground with a straight track until the airplane impacted a tree, after which it crossed a parking lot driveway, skidded about 100 ft, and came to rest inverted. About 2 minutes before the airplane departed, a small jet airplane had taken off from the same runway. In addition, the winds at the time of the accident were from 170° at 15 knots, gusting to 23 knots. After the accident, the private pilot reported that he was concerned about wake turbulence from the small jet, and the flight instructor reported that he thought that the airplane was affected by wind shear. Examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the available information, the reason for the loss of control could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Flight instructor could have aborted takeoff due to insufficient climb performance.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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