# NTSB ERA19LA052: Piper PA28, N111TA, Barnesville, GA, November 17, 2018 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 17, 2018, 11:12 local (16:12 UTC) - Place: Barnesville, GA - Coordinates: 32.979999, -84.099998 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9800&lon=-84.1000&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor, 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 13, 2020 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 98663 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA19LA052 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/98663/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=98663 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19LA052 ## Probable cause The student pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action, which resulted in an off-runway landing and subsequent collision with trees. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Student/instructed pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-180, 67 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=7102808), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-180, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md?model=7102808), [All aircraft, 1,269 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062000/cases.md) - [Action: delayed action](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Instructor/check pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-180, 10 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025/cases.md?model=7102808), [All aircraft, 894 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041025/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-180, 14 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=7102808), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-180, 30 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=7102808), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) - [Landing: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-180, 40 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=7102808), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-180, 96 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7102808), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The flight instructor reported that the student pilot was taking off for an instructional flight from an upsloping, 3,000-ft-long turf runway with 7- to 8-knot headwinds. The airspeed reached 65 knots and was increasing at the predesignated decision point, which was about 60% of the runway length. After takeoff, the airplane unexpectedly banked left. The student called out that the flight controls were not responding, and the instructor simultaneously took the controls. Realizing that the airplane would not clear trees at the departure end of the runway, the instructor chose to land the airplane straight ahead and aim it between trees. The airplane touched down about 200 ft before the trees and traveled forward until it struck several of them, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Further, flight control continuity was confirmed from the flight control surfaces to the cockpit controls. Given that no mechanical anomalies were found during postaccident examination of the airframe, it is likely that the student failed to maintain airplane control during takeoff and that the flight instructor's delayed remedial action resulted in the subsequent off-runway landing. ## Factual narrative On November 17, 2018, about 1112 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, N111TA, was substantially damaged after a collision with trees and terrain at Little Tobesofkee Creek Ranch Airport (GA86), Barnesville, Georgia. The flight instructor and student pilot incurred minor injuries, and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated by Clear Blue Sky Aviation LLC under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the flight to Macon Downtown Airport (MCN), Macon, Georgia. The instructional flight that originating at the time of the accident.The flight instructor reported that runway 35 was selected for the takeoff due to the prevailing wind out of the north at 7 to 8 kts. The student was at the controls for the takeoff. The takeoff was initiated and acceleration seemed normal, considering the runway upslope and 3,000 ft-long turf surface. The airspeed reached 65 kts and was increasing at the predesignated decision point, which was about 60% of the runway length. After takeoff, the airplane banked to the left unexpectedly. The instructor did not recall the stall warning light illuminating. The student called out a lack of responsiveness from the flight controls and the flight instructor simultaneously took the controls. The pilots realized that the airplane would not clear trees at the departure end of the runway, so the flight instructor elected to land the airplane straight ahead and aim it between the trees. The airplane touched down about 200 ft from the trees and continued until it struck several small trees and one large tree. The airplane came to a stop, the engine was secured, and the pilots and passengers egressed the airplane and were met by first responders. An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The airplane crashed in a wooded area to the north of the airport boundary. Structural damage occurred to the wings and fuselage. There was no fire. The wreckage was recovered to a salvage facility where a more detailed examination was performed. The fuselage was generally intact. Both wings were cut off near the wing roots by recovery personnel. The right wing exhibited leading edge crushing signatures from contact with trees. The aileron cables were cut by recovery personnel. The aileron cables were otherwise connected to the ailerons and the ailerons were connected to the attachment points on the wings. Aileron cable continuity was established from the cut ends at the wing roots to the control yokes. Elevator and rudder continuity were confirmed from the control surfaces to the cockpit controls. The vertical stabilizer, rudder, and stabilator were undamaged. The engine remained attached to the firewall. The metal, fixed pitch propeller remained attached to the crankshaft. The engine crankshaft was turned through manually by turning the propeller. Internal enginecontinuity was confirmed. Compression and suction were observed on all cylinders. Valve action was normal on all cylinders. The engine contained oil. Both spark plugs were removed from each cylinder. They were normal in color and wear when compared to a Champion inspection chart. The carburetor was intact. The venturi and floats were in place and undamaged. The gascolator was drained and it contained about 1 oz of clean, blue-colored fuel. Both magnetos produced a visible spark at all leads when rotated. The stall warning light operated normally when tested. The airplane was not equipped with a stall warning horn. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N111TA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N111TA-2020-10-03), registration cancelled 2020-10-03, S/N 28-3746, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA28 (180) - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-3746 - Year built: 1966 - Airframe hours: 5400 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-A4A 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, November 1, 2018, 3 hours before - Departed: GA86, Barnesville, GA - Destination: MAC, Macon, GA - Airport: GA86, Little Tobesofkee, runway 35, 3,000 × 100 ft, grass/turf - Equipment: Stall warning system, Electronic flight bag or handheld device, Electronic multifunction display ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Flight instructor; age 60; injuries: minor; airline transport, private, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine sea, single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; last flight review April 27, 2017; seat: right; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 5,300 total, 600 in this make and model, 5,000 as pilot in command, 11 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours - Student pilot; age 48; injuries: minor; student; seat: left; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 12 total, 12 in this make and model, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 10° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 36 °F - Altimeter: 30.26 inHg - Observed at: KOPN, 8 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 20181117022649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20181117022649A), Nov 17, 2018: Piper PA-28-180, Barnesville, GA, Substantial damage. On 11/17/2018 a student pilot proceeded to takeoff from a 3000' grass strip runway. The student pilot during takeoff failed to keep the nose down until enough… ## Docket (6 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on February 20, 2019, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=98663. 3.8 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40470509&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - PIC Written Statement - Foulkes (item 2, .PDF, 423 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40470510&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=PIC%20Written%20Statement%20-%20Foulkes-Master.PDF - Student Pilot Statement - Goss (item 3, .PDF, 233 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40470511&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Student%20Pilot%20Statement%20-%20Goss-Master.PDF - Excerpts - Maintenance Logbooks (item 4, .PDF, 282 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40470512&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpts%20-%20Maintenance%20Logbooks-Master.PDF - Photo Array (item 5, .PDF, 5 photos, 902 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40470513&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20Array-Master.PDF - NTSB Memo for Record - Wreckage Exam (item 6, .PDF, 309 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40470514&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB%20Memo%20for%20Record%20-%20Wreckage%20Exam-Master.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.