Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA28 near Hampton, NH — 2015-06-14

Final reportERA15LA237
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Date
2015-06-14
Location
Hampton, NH, USA
Airport
7B3
Aircraft
PIPER PA28
Registration
N43078
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to properly set the stabilator trim prior to takeoff, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot reported that the airplane lifted off normally but would not climb. The airplane cleared trees at the end of the runway before descending and impacting a wooded area. Two witnesses reported and airport surveillance video confirmed that the airplane lifted off in an extreme nose-up attitude and remained in that attitude as it descended below trees at the end of the runway. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. During the examination, the stabilator trim was found in the full nose-up position. The pre-takeoff checklist for the airplane included instructions to properly set the stabilator trim prior to takeoff. It is likely that the stabilator trim position resulted in the airplane's extreme nose-up attitude, which led to an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the initial climb and an aerodynamic stall.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have adjusted trim before takeoff to prevent loss of control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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