NTSB Factual Report

On April 28, 2012, about 1300 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, N746RA, registered to N70FT, Inc., operated by Airline Career Academy, collided with bushes during a rejected takeoff at Lake Wales Municipal Airport (X07), Lake Wales, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 instructional flight from X07. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The student pilot stated that earlier that day he and his certified flight instructor (CFI) flew to X07 where he performed several touch-and-go landings. The CFI later reported that the student performed 3 uneventful landings and a go-around. On approach before the last landing the CFI simulated loss of engine power, and the student maneuvered the airplane in the traffic pattern and landed uneventfully. The CFI endorsed the student pilot’s logbook and medical certificate for solo flight, and the student pilot reported that he taxied to runway 06, and departed remaining in the traffic pattern performing an uneventful full-stop landing. While taxiing towards the approach end of runway 06, he missed the turn and taxied onto taxiway Delta, where he held short of the runway. The CFI later reported that he transmitted to the student to advise him not to depart from the intersection; however, the student stated he did not hear the transmission from the CFI. The student stated that based on his preflight planning, he knew he would need only 800 feet for takeoff and knew there was sufficient runway remaining to depart. He taxied onto the runway, and applied takeoff power. The airplane accelerated to rotation speed (63 knots) and he pulled on the control yoke to rotate, but the airplane did not rotate so he elected to abort the takeoff.

The CFI further reported that the airplane became airborne flying for about 5 to 6 seconds only 3 to 4 feet above the runway. The student pilot stated that he was unable to bring the airplane to a stop on the runway, veered to the right and collided with bushes.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector-in-charge, approximately 1,000 feet of runway remained at the intersection of taxiway Delta.

A surface observation weather report taken at Bartow Municipal Airport at 1215 eastern daylight time indicated the wind was from 080 degrees at 8 knots, the visibility was 10 miles, and scattered clouds existed. The temperature and dew point were 28 and 17 degrees Celsius respectively, and the altimeter setting was 30.10 inches of Mercury. The accident site was located approximately 9 nautical miles and 294 degrees from X07.

After the accident the engine was operated under supervision of an FAA Inspector to full static rpm with no discrepancies noted The FAA Inspector also inspected the main landing gear brakes and found no evidence of pre-accident failure or malfunction.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot’s decision to depart from an intersection with insufficient runway remaining for takeoff, which resulted in a rejected takeoff and subsequent runway excursion.