Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary WPR14CA401

Roundup, MT, USA

Aircraft #1

N3460A

PIPER PA 22

Analysis

The pilot reported that during takeoff from a 1,200-foot long turf airstrip, the airplane accelerated beyond a speed he anticipated for rotation and remained on the ground. Despite the pilot's attempt to abort the takeoff and stop the airplane, it overran the departure end of the runway and struck multiple trees before it came to rest upright. The fuselage and both wings were substantially damaged. The pilot stated that at the time of the accident, it was unseasonably warm and the degradation of the airplane's performance was significantly more than he had anticipated. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The pilot reported that during takeoff from a 1,200-foot long turf airstrip, the airplane accelerated beyond a speed he anticipated for rotation and remained on the ground. Despite the pilot's attempt to abort the takeoff and stop the airplane, it overran the departure end of the runway and struck multiple trees before it came to rest upright. The fuselage and both wings were substantially damaged. The pilot stated that at the time of the accident, it was unseasonably warm and the degradation of the airplane's performance was significantly more than he had anticipated. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's delayed action to abort the takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and a high density altitude.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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