The pilot intended to perform a short field takeoff due to trees at the end of the 2,350-foot-long runway in Indian Trail, N.C.
A pre-takeoff engine run up of the Piper PA 28-180 revealed no anomalies, and he initiated the takeoff with the wing flaps extended 10°.
“Immediately” after takeoff, the pilot raised the flaps, and felt as though the airplane’s nose was “pushed down.”
The airplane hit trees at the end of the runway and then hit the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the engine firewall.
According to the airplane owner’s handbook, when operating from short runways, “[takeoff] distances can be reduced appreciably by lowering flaps to 25°.”
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 NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s improper flap retraction during a short field takeoff, which resulted in the aircraft experiencing an aerodynamic stall and impact with trees.
NTSB Identification: ERA14CA233
This May 2014 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Lets all stop making excuses as to why people do stupid things in airplanes and start stating the facts as to what actually did happen. The pilot is a stupid ass that is to lazy to do things right and didn’t learn what he should of learned from his CFI when he was learning to fly. A lot of people get there ticket and lay back and do the things they do the way they personally want to do them regardless of the facts and the way they are suppose to do. Most people think they know more than everyone else when it comes to flying and they are so mistaken. The main reason I think they do this is because people are lazier now than ever before. I know of several pilots that fit that M.O. you can’t tell them nothing, they don’t want to know and they don’t want to be bothered about nothing. They are happy doing things just the way they want to, and that usually ends up with the greasy side up. Bad news..
Da*n, you sound like me. keep it up
Learning to fly from turf fields teaches a lot about problems of soft,short, obstacles flying. Pilots are spoiled with perfect runways
What was the person hauling i.e., bowling balls? When you set flaps for T.O. leave them alone until the obstacle is cleared. Establish the T.O. climb and hold what you got. Changing the flap settings to early will drastically change the lift of the wing slowing the rate of climb/altitude for a period of time.
The POH is a compilation of test data for each aircraft and should be reviewed frequently. Had the pilot taken the extra 5 minutes to do that and looked up the manufacturer’s recommended procedure for a short field takeoff with obstacles at the end of the runway he would likely have had a successful outcome. Yanking the flaps up immediately after liftoff and out of ground effect (semi-span height) is never a good idea especially if low and slow.
I do a lot of Flight Reviews, it is appalling the lack of basic pilot skills with short field, soft field and crosswind, leading the list. I have noticed a trend lately, the worst, have been trained at certificate mills, using technologically advanced aircraft. They are good at CRM, operating A/P and computers, but can’t actually fly the airplane.
John,
I agree with you. I believe part of the problem is most runways are long enough and obstacles are not a big factor especially in the So-Cal area. Many pilots just can’t seem to grasp the idea and concept of short and soft field take-offs and landings. Probably because engines are much more reliable today than they were 70 years ago so worrying about the “What If” doesn’t really come into play.