NTSB Factual Report

On February 18, 2017, about1529 mountain standard time, a Piper PA28R-200 single engine airplane, N2702R, registered to a private individual and operated by Centennial Flyers of Englewood, Colorado, sustained substantial damage after it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from the Centennial Airport (APA), Centennial, Colorado. The airline transport rated instructor pilot (IP) sustained minor injuries, and the private pilot rated student under instruction sustained serious injuries. The instructional flight was being conducted under the provisions of Federal Code of Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed.

According to the student pilot, the IP tried to prime the engine several times while pushing the mixture back and forth several times. After the third try, the engine started, and the student pilot proceeded to prepare for takeoff on runway 17L. He stated that the airplane had difficulty obtained lift during takeoff roll. After liftoff, about 75 knots, the engine RPMs remained high and power seemed sufficient, but the airplane was not gaining altitude. Toward the end of the runway, the IP took over the controls and flew the aircraft past the departure end of the 10,000-foot runway, crossed over highway E-470, banked left, and then touched down in grassy area. The student pilot recalled that the airspeed was about 55 knots prior to bracing for impact with trees. The student stated that the instructor passed out upon impact with a tree and recalled feeling that the left wing sheared off. He recalled pulling himself out of the aircraft and being transported to the hospital.

In an interview after the accident, the student stated that a Falcon Jet took off on runway 17L, approximately 2 minutes prior to departure, and he was concerned about wake turbulence.

According to the IP, the engine was run up to 2000 RPMs, with positive magneto and flight control checks prior to departure. The fuel pump was ON and the mixture was leaned for takeoff. Rotation was about 65 knots within about a 1,000-foot ground roll. The airplane gained airspeed to about 75-80 knots and had a slow climb. The IP verified that the flap handle was down and the flaps were visually up. Upon reaching about 150 feet altitude, the IP felt like something was pushing the airplane down. He stated that the engine seemed to have full RPMs and the throttle and mixture were full forward. He stated that he recalled seeing the airspeed at 65 knots and a stall warning horn when the airplane contacted the ground.

The accident site revealed that aircraft landed in grassy area heading approximately 120 degrees, about 1 mile west of APA. Landing gear track marks showed all three landing gear on the ground with a straight track until impact with a tree. Skid marks prior to tree impact showed an indication of braking. After impact with the tree, the airplane crossed a parking lot driveway, skidded 100 feet, and came to rest inverted. Propeller marks in the driveway pavement showed evidence of rotation and the propeller blade tips were curled. The right wing was found detached from the fuselage and there was a light smell of fuel in the vicinity. Upon recovery, about 15 gallons of fuel was drained from each wing tank.

The weather at APA at the time of the accident was reported as - Winds 170 degrees at 15 knots, gusting to 23 knots. Clear skies. Altimeter 29.64 inches of mercury.

The IP (right seat) reported over 7,000 hours of total flight time with 17 hours in the PA28R-200. The student pilot (left seat) reported 220 hours of total flight time and this was his first flight in a PA28R-200.

The airplane wreckage was transported to a salvage facility located in Greeley, Colorado to be examined. During the examination, the throttle, propeller, and mixture controls functioned normally. The engine rotated freely and all cylinders produced compression. The magnetos produced spark at all spark plug terminals. The engine oil screen was found clean. The elevator and rudder cables were found intact and functional except for impact related damage.