Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA10CA152

Patillas, PR, USA

Aircraft #1

N5212L

PIPER PA-28-180

Analysis

Same as Factual Information

Factual Information

The certificated flight instructor (CFI) stated that the student pilot was performing the takeoff. Upon reaching 65 knots, the student pilot panicked for no apparent reason and pulled the throttle back to abort the takeoff. The CFI knew that there was not enough runway remaining to safely stop, and took control of the airplane to continue the takeoff. The airplane was able to clear trees at the departure end of the runway, but the CFI stated that he was too low to gain airspeed or a positive rate of climb. The CFI elected to land in a river to avoid trees and rising terrain immediately ahead, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane.

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot’s decision to abort the takeoff with insufficient runway remaining.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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