Piper PA28 N2448R accident near Somerset, Kentucky

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during the takeoff, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with an airport navigation antenna.

NTSB analysis

The solo student pilot was taking off in gusting wind and described that shortly after rotation, he saw the stall warning light illuminate. He reported that although the engine was developing full power and he leveled off to regain airspeed, the airplane settled back onto the runway and “pulled left.” Despite the pilot’s attempt to keep the airplane on the runway, it departed the runway, impacted an instrument landing system antenna, crossed a taxiway, and then came to rest. The left wing was substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA199 for the full record.