Piper PA-22-135 N1209C

Summary

On 1 May 1996 at about 23:15 local time, a Piper PA-22-135 registered N1209C, operated by Aaron W. Scarborough, was involved in an accident near Cochran, Georgia, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

1 May 1996 at 23:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Cochran, Georgia, United States

Coordinates

32.3806, -83.3502

Aircraft

Piper PA-22-135

Registration

N1209C

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Aaron W. Scarborough

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Dusk

NTSB number

ATL96LA083

Nobody was injured.

failure of the flight instructor (CFI) to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff, when the airplane encountered an uneven area on the airstrip and becoming airborne prematurely; and his failure to maintain clearance (or altitude) from trees, which were adjacent to the airstrip. The uneven surface of the airstrip and proximity of trees were related factors.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The certified flight instructor (CFI) stated the airplane hit a bump on the takeoff roll, and became airborne prematurely. The airplane veered to the right at a very slow airspeed. At that point, the CFI elected to continue the takeoff, rather than land. He lowered the nose to gain airspeed; however, he was unable to attain sufficient airspeed and altitude to clear trees that were ahead. The airplane collided with the trees, then impacted the terrain.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.