# NTSB ATL96LA083: Piper PA-22-135, N1209C, Cochran, GA, May 1, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 1, 1996, 19:15 local (23:15 UTC) - Place: Cochran, GA - Coordinates: 32.380607, -83.350212 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.3806&lon=-83.3502&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report October 4, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 3726 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL96LA083 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3726/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL96LA083 ## Probable cause failure of the flight instructor (CFI) to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff, when the airplane encountered an uneven area on the airstrip and becoming airborne prematurely; and his failure to maintain clearance (or altitude) from trees, which were adjacent to the airstrip. The uneven surface of the airstrip and proximity of trees were related factors. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor) - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (contributing factor) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with object, takeoff - object - tree(s) - altitude/clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis The certified flight instructor (CFI) stated the airplane hit a bump on the takeoff roll, and became airborne prematurely. The airplane veered to the right at a very slow airspeed. At that point, the CFI elected to continue the takeoff, rather than land. He lowered the nose to gain airspeed; however, he was unable to attain sufficient airspeed and altitude to clear trees that were ahead. The airplane collided with the trees, then impacted the terrain. ## Factual narrative On May 1, 1996, at about 1915 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-22-135, N1209C, registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight crashed on initial takeoff climb in the vicinity of Cochran, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The commercial pilot/certified flight instructor and student pilot reported no injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight originated from Wimberly Strip, Cochran, Georgia, about 1 minute before the accident. The certified flight instructor stated the airplane hit a bump on the takeoff roll, and became airborne prematurely. The airplane veered to the right at a very slow airspeed. He lowered the nose to gain airspeed, however he did not obtain the proper climb rate. The airplane collided with trees and crashed into the terrain. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1209C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1209C-2013-08-22), registration cancelled 2013-08-22, S/N 22-1015, built 1953 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-22-135 - Registry model: [Piper PA-22-135](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-135) (registry code 7102206) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 22-1015 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-A1O-290 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Operator: Aaron W. Scarborough - Registered owner: Kevin R. Kirtley - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 62; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine sea, single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 4,650 total, 11 in this make and model, 4,483 as pilot in command, 128 in the last 90 days, 65 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk - Wind: 210° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 45 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: MCN, 35 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19960501012839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960501012839A), May 1, 1996: Piper PA22135, Cochran, GA, Substantial damage. Struck a bump on takeoff. Became airborne prematurely. Veered slow speed. CFI lowered nose. Unable climb. Hit trees ## Other investigations on N1209C (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB MKC69D0365](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC69D0365), Mar 1, 1969: Piper PA-22 (N1209C), Ankeny, IA, substantial damage From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.