Plane crash map Locate crash sites, wreckage and more

N15230 accident description

North Carolina map... North Carolina list
Crash location 35.121111°N, 80.587222°W
Nearest city Indian Trail, NC
35.076814°N, 80.669235°W
5.6 miles away
Tail number N15230
Accident date 11 May 2014
Aircraft type Piper Pa 28-180
Additional details: None

NTSB Factual Report

The pilot stated that he intended to perform a short field takeoff due to trees at the end of the 2,350-foot-long runway. A pretakeoff engine run up revealed no anomalies, and the pilot initiated the takeoff with the wing flaps extended 10 degrees. "Immediately" after takeoff, the pilot raised the flaps, and felt as though the airplane's nose was "pushed down." The airplane contacted trees at the end of the runway and subsequently impacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the engine firewall. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. According to the airplane owner's handbook, when operating from short runways, "[takeoff] distances can be reduced appreciably by lowering flaps to 25 degrees." The Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A further stated, "On short-field takeoffs, the landing gear and flaps should remain in takeoff position until clear of obstacles and [best rate of climb] has been established. It is usually advisable to raise the flaps in increments to avoid sudden loss of lift."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper flap retraction during a short field takeoff, which resulted in the aircraft experiencing an aerodynamic stall and impact with trees.

© 2009-2020 Lee C. Baker / Crosswind Software, LLC. For informational purposes only.