Piper PA-28-140 | N515DH

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.

Probable Cause issued 9/10/2026 – 27 months after the accident: The flight instructor’s failure to maintain airplane control during a low-speed, low-altitude left turn after encountering an undetermined issue during takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low for recovery.

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.