Accident · 2018-04-04
What the record says
- Event date
- 2018-04-04
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury level
- Fatal injury
- Aircraft
- PIPER PA28R (N106ER)
- Operating rule
- Part 91
- Operator
- EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY INC Operator named in NTSB report
- Operated by (per NTSB report)
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Probable cause
Extensive fatigue cracking in the left-wing main spar lower cap and doublers, which resulted in the in-flight separation of the left wing. The fatigue cracks initiated and grew to a critical size due to flight and ground loads associated with flight-training involving flight-training maneuvers, significant operation at low altitudes and frequent landing cycles. Previously established inspection criteria were insufficient to detect the fatigue crack before it grew to a critical size.
Source: NTSB case ERA18FA120Flight crew
Certification and experience as recorded in the NTSB accident database for this event. The NTSB records these facts about the crew's flying history; GroundCheck shows them as filed, without names or identities.
| Role | Certificate | Instrument rating | Age | Medical | Flight hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight instructor pilot flying | Airline transport pilot / Flight instructor | Airplane | 61 | Class 2 (2017-04-05) | 27,600 total |
| Pilot pilot flying | Private | Airplane | 25 | Class 2 (2016-06-17) | 218.1 total · 26.7 in this make/model · 115 as PIC · 26.5 last 90 days |
Facts as the NTSB records them — GroundCheck adds no judgement. Preliminary records may be revised as the investigation proceeds.