Piper PA-28-140 | N515DH
June 14th, 2024 | Siler City, North Carolina
Accident Location
- City: Siler City
- State: North Carolina
- Latitude: 35.696578
- Longitude: -79.501358
- Airport ID: KSCR
Aircraft Info
- N Number: N515DH
- Make: Piper
- Model: PA-28-140
- Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
- Amateur Built: No
Pilot Info
- PIC Name: Abernathy, McMillan Weidner
- Gender: Male
- Pilot Age: 25
- Pilot Hours: 682
- Flight School: Yes
- Instructional Flight: Yes
- Pilot Certification: Commercial Pilot
- IFR Rating: Yes
- Pilot Error: Yes
- Pilot Medical: 1st Class Medical
- Pilot Incapacitation: No
Analysis
- Date: June 14th, 2024
- Time: 12:45 PM Local Time
- Day / Night: Day
- VMC / IMC: VMC
- Phase Of Flight: Initial Climb
- Total People Onboard: 2
- PIC Fatality: 1
- PAX Fatalities: 1
- Ground Fatalities: 0
- Total Fatalities: 2
- NTSB No: ERA24FA261
- NTSB Travel: Yes
- AQP Classification: 20) ROTOT, U-FIT
Probable Cause
DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the Instructor and student likely encountered a a reduction of thrust after takeoff, AQP 20, and did transmit “We are having issues, can we land?” to another aircraft in the same traffic pattern. The aircraft was in turning flight, likely attempting to return as it turned from upwind to crosswind leg, following a touch and go landing. The DTSB determines that the pilot did not maintain DMMS, and attempted a left turn during the crisis, therefore inducing additional load on the aircraft, whereupon the aircraft stalled and spun to the left, impacting terrain in a near vertical attitude. An aircraft fire ensued and neither occupant was able to egress due to aircraft damage, and their severe injuries.
NTSB: NONE
Recommendation
DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft become aware of suitable off airport landing sites prior to each takeoff. In this case, flat open terrain was available just ahead and to the right during this event, well within the flight capability of the aircraft. DTSB recommends that pilots lower the nose, troubleshoot as able, and go straight ahead. Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.
NTSB: NONE
DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.