PIPER PA28 near Melbourne, FL — 2024-02-13

Probable cause

The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to correctly identify the runway centerline prior to initiating the nighttime takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a runway edge light and subsequent runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate monitoring of the pilot.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate monitoring of the pilot.

NTSB narrative

The pilot receiving instruction reported that after receiving clearance from the control tower to take off, he taxied onto the runway during nighttime conditions. As the airplane proceeded along the center of the taxiway, he mistook the right runway edge line for the runway centerline and attempted to take off. During the takeoff roll, the airplane impacted a runway edge light, and went into the grass area adjacent to the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilator and the right wing during the accident. The pilot and the flight instructor reported there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Wrong surface or wrong airport · Taxi-into takeoff position
• Attention / Monitoring

Evidence available

• Photos
• 6 docket documents

Docket documents6

• PILOT/OPERATOR AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT REPORT, NTSB FORM 6120.1form
• MOR - FAA INSPECTOR'S STATEMENTinterview
• MOR INSTRUCTOR INTERVIEWinterview
• MOR INSTRUCTOR STATEMENTinterview
• MOR PILOT INTERVIEWinterview
• INVESTIGATION PHOTOGRAPHSphotos