Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that during the takeoff roll the airplane began “drifting to the left” of the runway centerline. The airplane briefly became airborne as the pilot attempted to apply opposite rudder. The airplane then landed hard and came to rest in a grassy area at the end of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage and nose wheel landing gear. 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 CEN22LA239 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 9, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- New Braunfels, Texas
- Nearest airport
- New Braunfels Rgnl (BAZ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-140
- N-number
- N3798K
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1967
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.