14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Sunday, May 11, 2014 in Indian Trail, NC
Probable Cause Approval Date: 10/09/2014
Aircraft: PIPER PA 28-180, registration: N15230
Injuries: 1 Minor, 3 Uninjured.
NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.
The pilot stated that he intended to perform a short field takeoff due to trees at the end of the 2,350-foot-long runway. A pretakeoff engine run up revealed no anomalies, and the pilot initiated the takeoff with the wing flaps extended 10 degrees. "Immediately" after takeoff, the pilot raised the flaps, and felt as though the airplane's nose was "pushed down." The airplane contacted trees at the end of the runway and subsequently impacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the engine firewall. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. According to the airplane owner's handbook, when operating from short runways, "[takeoff] distances can be reduced appreciably by lowering flaps to 25 degrees." The Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A further stated, "On short-field takeoffs, the landing gear and flaps should remain in takeoff position until clear of obstacles and [best rate of climb] has been established. It is usually advisable to raise the flaps in increments to avoid sudden loss of lift."
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot's improper flap retraction during a short field takeoff, which resulted in the aircraft experiencing an aerodynamic stall and impact with trees.
FAA Charlotte FSDO-68
http://karlssonaviation.com
CHRISTOPHER M. BERRYHILL : http://registry.faa.gov/N15230
http://www.charlotteobserver.com
http://www.wsoctv.com
Four people suffered minor injuries Sunday when a private plane crashed after takeoff in Union County, authorities said.
The plane went down about 2:30 p.m. near Goose Creek Airport, on Lawyers Road near Rocky River Road in the northwest part of the county.
The plane, identified as a Piper Arrow, crash-landed near Charlotte National Golf Club in Indian Trail. Witnesses told The Observer that the pilot had landed, dropped off a woman, then took off with two adults and a child.
Moments later, witnesses said, the plane clipped some trees and landed near a fairway at the golf course.
The four people aboard the plane were taken to Carolinas Medical Center. All of them are expected to recover, officials said. The plane was registered to a man from the Columbia area.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.
