# NTSB ERA11LA438: Piper PA-30, N8314Y, St. Petersburg, FL, August 3, 2011 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 3, 2011, 11:11 local (15:11 UTC) - Place: St. Petersburg, FL - Coordinates: 27.768611, -82.628051 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.7686&lon=-82.6281&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Abrupt maneuver](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/270) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious, 4 minor - Status: Completed, report October 17, 2011 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA Tampa FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 81373 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA11LA438 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/81373/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=81373 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11LA438 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper rotation during takeoff, resulting in a stall and subsequent collision with the ground. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Performance/control parameters: pitch control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062022): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-30, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062022/cases.md?model=7103002), [All aircraft, 526 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062022/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-30, 28 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=7103002), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Abrupt maneuver](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/270) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-30, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/270/sequence.md?model=7103002), [All aircraft, 346 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/270/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241); cases with it: [Piper PA-30, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md?model=7103002), [All aircraft, 1,529 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md) - [Uncontrolled descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Piper PA-30, 37 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7103002), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis During the takeoff roll, with the flaps extended, the pilot over-rotated the airplane when it reached an airspeed of 85 mph. He retracted the landing gear, the airspeed decreased to 69 mph, and the airplane stalled. The left wing dropped, the pilot lowered the nose of the airplane, and it collided with the ground resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane. Visual examination of the airplane verified the pilot's statement. The flight manual for the airplane indicated the airplane will stall at 69 mph with the landing gear and flaps extended. ## Factual narrative On August 3, 2011, about 1111 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-30, N8314Y, registered to a private owner, collided with the ground during initial takeoff climb from Albert Whitted Airport (SPG), St. Petersburg, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.The airplane received structural damage to the left wing and airframe. The certificated commercial pilot and three passenger reported minor injuries. One passenger received serious injuries. The flight originated from SPG, en-route to Key West International Airport (EYW) Key West, Florida at 1110. The pilot stated upon reaching 85 mph, he over-rotated the airplane and retracted the landing gear. He did not retract the flaps. The airspeed decreased to 69 mph, and the airplane entered an accelerated stall. The left wing dropped down, and he immediately lowered the nose and leveled the wings. He lost directional control of the airplane and it collided with the ground. He further stated there were no mechanical problems with the airplane before the accident. Review of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Flight Manual for the Piper PA-30 revealed in Section I, Limitations, that the stalling speed with the landing gear and flaps up is 76 mph. With the landing gear and flaps down the stalling speed is 69 mph. Visual examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly and accessories by an FAA inspector revealed no anomalies with the airplane. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N8314Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8314Y-2013-08-29), registration cancelled 2013-08-29, S/N 30-1454, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA-30 - Registry model: [Piper PA-30](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-30) (registry code 7103002) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-320-series) (registry code 41509, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 30-1454 - Airframe hours: 3468 - Engines: LYCOMING IO-320 SERIES 150 horsepower reciprocating; LYCOMING IO-320 SERIES 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Erett Jay Bozarth - Registered owner: Erett Jay Bozarth - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, April 14, 2011, 102 hours before - Departed: SPG, St. Petersburg, FL - Destination: EYW, Key West, FL - Airport: SPG, Albert Whitted Airport, runway 25, 3,677 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 31; injuries: minor; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1; last flight review August 4, 2011; seat: left; flight hours: 550 total, 240 in this make and model, 485 as pilot in command, 150 in the last 90 days, 76 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 280° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 79 °F - Altimeter: 29.89 inHg - Observed at: SPG ## 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 20110803015559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20110803015559A), Aug 3, 2011: Piper PA-30, St Petersburg, FL, Substantial damage. On August 3, 2011, at 11:10 EDT, a Piper, PA-30 registered to [privacy data omitted], collided with the ground after taking off on runway 25 in St Petersburg… ## Docket (11 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 23, 2011, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=81373. 4.3 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 373 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40351996&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Record of Conversation DUATS (item 2, .PDF, 47 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40351904&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20DUATS-Redacted.PDF - Record of Conversation St Petesburg Flying Service (item 3, .PDF, 47 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40351905&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20St%20Petesburg%20Flying%20Service-Redacted.PDF - ST Petersburg Flying Service Fuel Slip (item 4, .PDF, 9 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40351906&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=ST%20Petersburg%20Flying%20Service%20Fuel%20Slip-Redacted.PDF - Approved FAA Flight Manual (item 5, .PDF, 2.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40351907&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Approved%20FAA%20Flight%20Manual-Redacted.PDF - Witness Statement (item 6, .PDF, 29 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40351978&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - FAA Inspector Statement (item 7, .PDF, 38 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40351980&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Record of Conversation Insurance Adjuster (item 8, .PDF, 47 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40351982&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20Insurance%20Adjuster-Redacted.PDF - Airport Incident Report (item 9, .PDF, 562 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40351983&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Airport%20Incident%20Report-Redacted.PDF - Police Report (item 10, .PDF, 226 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40352002&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Police%20Report-Redacted.PDF - Extract of Aircraft Logbooks (item 11, .PDF, 94 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40351997&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Extract%20of%20Aircraft%20Logbooks-Redacted.PDF 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.