Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ATL05CA080

Akron, AL, USA

Aircraft #1

N35920

Piper J4E

Analysis

The pilot stated he started the takeoff roll on runway 19 with no noticeable head wind. The airplane accelerated down the runway to a point where he normally rotates the airplane at 50 mph. The pilot observed the airspeed indicator slightly below 50 mph, applied aft pressure on the flight controls, and the airplane became airborne. The pilot observed a decrease in airspeed and knew he could not clear trees located off the departure end of the runway. The pilot aborted the takeoff by reducing power. The airplane touched back on the ground and the pilot applied aft pressure on the flight controls. The airplane became airborne and touched back down on the ground. The pilot started a left turn maneuver to avoid the trees and applied brakes. The pilot stated he lost directional control, the nose and right wing collided with the ground. The pilot further stated there were no anomalies noted with the airframe, flight controls, or engine assembly.

Factual Information

on May 15, 2005, at 1915 central daylight time, a Piper J4E, N35920, registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, reported a loss of directional control while maneuvering to avoid obstructions during an aborted take off. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The private pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The flight was originating from a private airstrip in Akron, Alabama, on May 15, 2005 at 1914. The pilot stated he started the take off roll on runway 19 with no noticeable head wind. The airplane accelerated down the runway to a point where he normally rotates the airplane at 50 mph. The pilot observed the airspeed indicator slightly below 50 mph, applied aft pressure on the flight controls, and the airplane became airborne. The pilot observed a decrease in airspeed and knew he could not clear trees located off the departure end of the runway. The pilot aborted the take off by reducing power. The airplane touched back on the ground and the pilot applied aft pressure on the flight controls. The airplane became airborne and touched back down on the ground. The pilot started a left turn maneuver to avoid the trees and applied brakes. The pilot stated he lost directional control, the nose and right wing collided with the ground. The pilot further stated there were no anomalies noted with the airframe, flight controls, or engine assembly.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's premature liftoff and his failure to attain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall/mush. Also causal was the pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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