Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CHI05CA205

Holland, MI, USA

Aircraft #1

N602EA

Piper PA-28-151

Analysis

The airplane was destroyed on impact with trees and terrain during climbout from runway. The flight instructor stated, "During the climbout, the airplane stalled just above the trees. In recovery, lowered the nose and struck the trees of the nearby woods. Airplane crashed into the ground." The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane in reference to the flight. Winds at the airport were 260 degrees at 3 knots.

Factual Information

On July 28, 2005, about 0915 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-151, N602EA, piloted by a flight instructor, was destroyed on impact with trees and terrain during climbout from runway 12 (2,245 feet by 90 feet dry turf) at the Park Township Airport, near Holland, Michigan. The instructional flight was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan was on file. The pilot reported that he and his student were uninjured. The local flight departed from the Muskegon County Airport, near Muskegon, Michigan, about 0845. The flight instructor's accident report, in part, stated: Flew to Park Township (HLM) to practice short [and] soft field takeoffs and landing. Performed two short field landings. Made appropriate radio calls and entered left traffic for [runway] 12. Got stabilized on final and touched down on the grass [runway]. During the climbout, the airplane stalled just above the trees. In recovery, lowered the nose and struck the trees of the nearby woods. Airplane crashed into the ground. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane in reference to the flight. At 0853, the recorded weather at HLM was: Wind 260 degrees at 3 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition clear; temperature 18 degrees C; dew point 14 degrees C; altimeter 30.14 inches of mercury.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall, and subsequent collision with trees. Contributing to the accident were the trees.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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