Piper PA-28R-180 N3226R

Summary

On 14 June 2009 at about 18:21 local time, a Piper PA-28R-180 registered N3226R, operated by Kolath Airlines LLC, was involved in an accident near Scotia, New York, United States. 3 people were on board and 3 died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

14 June 2009 at 18:21

Classification

Accident

Location

Scotia, New York, United States

Nearest airport

Mohawk Valley Airport (K13)

Coordinates

42.8747, -74.0306

Aircraft

Piper PA-28R-180

Registration

N3226R

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Kolath Airlines LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Instructional

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Scotia → Schenctady

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA09FA345

3 people died.

The flight instructor's failure to ensure that the airplane was properly configured for a short field takeoff, and his decision to not abort the takeoff.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The flight instructor and student pilot were taking off from a 1,840-foot long grass runway located next to a river. The instructor and student pilot did not extend the flaps to 25 degrees as required by the Owner’s Handbook for takeoff from a soft surface runway. Witnesses stated that the airplane became airborne two times on the takeoff roll. A witness further stated, "He continued to roll further pulling the airplane into the air for a third time." The airplane lifted off the runway, settled into the river, and sank. The manufacturer's performance charts based on the weather conditions at the accident site revealed the ground run required for takeoff on a hard surface, without flaps extended, is about 1,350 feet. Takeoff from a grassy surface would require a significantly longer distance. Examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly, and accessories revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure or malfunction. The landing gear was found extended at the accident site. After some preparation, the engine was started, warmed up, advanced to full power, run continuously without hesitation, and subsequently shut down.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.