ATL84LA042

Factual narrative

AT ABOUT 1,000 FT AGL AFTER TAKEOFF FROM RWY 17 THE ENG COWLING OPENED ON THE LEFT SIDE & BEGAN FLAPPING. THE CFI TOOK CONTROL & RETURNED TO THE ARPT ON A DOWNWIND FOR RWY 17. WHEN SHE SAW THAT THE ACFT WAS TOO LOW TO MAKE THE FIELD, SHE TURNED OFF THE FUEL, MIXTURE & CARB HEAT. THE ACFT STRUCK A UTILITY POLE WITH THE LEFT WING PRIOR TO TOUCHDOWN. THE CFI STATED THAT AS FAR AS SHE CAN REMEMBER, 'NEITHER SHE OR THE STUDENT TOUCHED THE POWER ALTHOUGH THE THROTTLE MAY HAVE VIBRATED OUT A LITTLE.' PRIOR TO THE FLT, A MECHANIC HAD LOOSENED THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ENG COWLING TO CHECK A LANDING LIGHT WIRE PLUG CONNECTION. HE CLOSED THE COWLING BUT DID NOT FASTEN IT. THE STUDENT PERFORMED A PREFLIGHT INSPECTION OFTHE ACFT BUT DID NOT DISCOVER THE LOOSE FASTENERS. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12