N309PAPiper PA-28-181 · 2002

The flight instructor reported that during an introduction to soft field takeoffs lesson, upon switching to the tower frequency, he and his student received the updated wind and altimeter setting. He noted that the wind was a "rear quartering crosswind", and reported "I have done these before so thought I would be fine, though in retrospect [it's] been a long time since I have done [a takeoff] with similar conditions". During the takeoff, he held the yoke back with right aileron, and as the airplane began to lift off he reduced back pressure on the yoke. After becoming airborne, the airplane drifted to the right and then settled back on the runway. He added more right aileron, rudder, and more "back elevator" which reduced his forward visibility. The airplane became airborne again, about 45 knots, and drifted to the right of the runway centerline. He reduced power, landed, and came to a stop off the right side of the runway. The airplane was taxied back to parking with no further incident.

A post-accident examination revealed the airplane sustained substantial damage to the rear carry through wing spar.

The chief flight instructor reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The flight instructor reported that about the time of the accident the wind was 300° at 10 knots. The airplane was departing on runway 7R.

The flight instructor said that during a landing, the student pilot flared too high, and he took control of the airplane. The airplane landed hard, and the tail tie down hook was displaced into the fuselage. Although the instructor conducted a post flight inspection of the airplane, the damage was not discovered. The flight instructor performed the next takeoff, and he noticed that the elevator flight control was sluggish and minimally responsive. Additionally, the climb performance was poor. He landed the airplane without further incident. Another inspection of the airplane was performed, and the damage was discovered.