PIPER PA 28-180 near Batavia, NY — 2016-05-19

Final reportERA16LA192

Date: 2016-05-19
Location: Batavia, NY, USA
Airport: GVQ
Aircraft: PIPER PA 28-180
Registration: N7781W
Category: Airplane
Highest injury: None
Fatalities: 0
Phase of flight: Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with runway signs.

NTSB narrative

The student pilot successfully performed two touch-and-go landings and returned to the same runway to perform a third. He reported that, after a normal touchdown, he applied engine power, and at rotation speed the airplane veered to the left. He was unable to correct with right rudder input. The airplane subsequently traveled off the side of the runway and impacted signs, which resulted in damage to both left and right wing fuel tanks. The pilot continued the takeoff, and, after becoming airborne, noted fuel streaming from the left fuel tank; the engine subsequently experienced a total loss of power. The pilot maneuvered the airplane and landed uneventfully on a road. Postacccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Neither fuel tank contained fuel, and it is likely that the loss of engine power was the result of fuel exhaustion caused by the breaches of the fuel system.