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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 16, 1994 · Piper PA-28-140 · N7079R

Kankakee, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 16, 1994
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 2 uninjured
Location
Kankakee, IL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N7079R
Operator
Koerner Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI94LA230

THE INSTRUCTOR REPORTED THE AIRPLANE FOR THE INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT WAS LOADED TO GROSS WEIGHT WITH FUEL AND A TOTAL OF FOUR PERSONS ABOARD. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF, THE AIRPLANE DID NOT CLIMB OUT OF GROUND EFFECT. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE TOPS OF CORN LOCATED AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY, IMPACTED THE GROUND, AND CAME TO REST IN AN INVERTED POSITION. NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL ABNORMALITIES WERE REPORTED BY THE INSTRUCTOR. A WEIGHT AND BALANCE CALCULATION DONE BY THE FAA INSPECTOR REVEALED THE WEIGHT OF THE AIRPLANE EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT LIMITATION. THE AIRPLANE WAS FOUND TO HAVE BEEN LOADED OUTSIDE OF THE CENTER OF GRAVITY RANGE LISTED IN THE AIRPLANE'S FLIGHT MANUAL.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING PREPARATION BY THE IMPROPER LOADING OF THE AIRPLANE.

Full Narrative

On July 16, 1994, at 1715 central daylight time, a Piper 28-140, N7079R, was substantially damaged when it came to rest in a corn field adjacent to Greater Kankakee Airport, Kankakee, Illinois. The instructional flight had just taken off from runway 27 at Greater Kankakee Airport, but it was unable to climb. The flight instructor and student pilot received minor injuries. The two passengers received no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without flight plan. The instructor reported the airplane was loaded to gross weight with fuel and a total of four persons aboard. While attempting to takeoff from runway 27 (2644' x 300'), the instructor states, "the aircraft lifted off at approximately two thirds of the runway, but it would not climb out of ground effect." The airplane struck the tops of corn located at the end of the runway, impacted the ground, and came to rest in an inverted position. No preimpact mechanical abnormalities were reported by the instructor. A weight and balance calculation done by FAA Inspector Susan Gardner revealed the weight of the airplane exceeded the maximum gross weight limitation. The airplane was found to have been loaded outside of the center of gravity range listed in the airplane's flight manual. The FAA Inspector's statement and calculations are appended.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:15 CDT
Nearest AirportKankakee Koerners (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width300 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN7079R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorKoerner Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured2
Total4
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data