Piper PA-22-150 N9998D accident near Afton, Wyoming

Probable cause

The commercial pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff. Contributing was the student pilot’s application of brakes during the takeoff roll and the failure of both pilots to maintain a positive transfer of controls.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot, seated in the right seat, and the student pilot and airplane owner, seated in the left seat, reported that the purpose of the flight was a local flight in the student pilot’s newly acquired airplane. Both pilots reported that they had just met for the first time just before the accident flight. The commercial pilot added that she was unaware that the airplane owner was only a student pilot.

The student pilot reported that, during takeoff, the commercial pilot applied full power, the airplane lifted off the runway momentarily, settled back onto the runway surface, then subsequently lost directional control of the airplane. The airplane departed the right side of the runway, struck two fences, and nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and wing struts.

The commercial pilot reported that, during takeoff roll, the student pilot was in control of the airplane. The commercial pilot stated that the student pilot held full power and brakes throughout the accident sequence.

Review of photos taken at the accident site show witness marks on the runway surface, adjacent taxiway, and grass consistent with the application of brakes throughout the accident sequence. The brakes are only operable from the left seat in the accident airplane.

The student pilot reported that, during a postaccident inspection of the airplane, he found that the elevator trim was set to the full nose-up position.

The commercial pilot and the student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC24LA035 for the full record.