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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

June 19, 1995 · Piper PA-38-112 · N91469

Phillips, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 19, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Phillips, ME
Aircraft
Piper PA-38-112
Tail Number
N91469
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
BFO95LA067

THE PILOT STATED THAT THE AIRPLANE 'STARTED TO SINK' DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AND COLLIDED WITH TREES OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF RUNWAY 13. ACCORDING TO AN FAA INSPECTOR, THE PILOT DEPARTED FROM THE GRASS STRIP WITH A TAILWIND. WHEN THE WEIGHT AND BALANCE WAS CALCULATED AFTER THE ACCIDENT IN THE PRESENCE OF THE PILOT IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE AIRCRAFT WAS ABOUT 23 TO 25 POUNDS OVER THE MAXIMUM CERTIFICATED GROSS WEIGHT. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OR CLAIM OF PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.

NTSB Probable Cause

the private pilot's failure to obtain/maintain altitude/clearance from obstacles during the takeoff/initial climb. Related factors are the grass/turf runway, the improper weight and balance, and the tailwind.

Full Narrative

On June 19, 1995, at 1930 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-38-112, N91469, operated by Skyhaven Flying Club Inc., collided with trees during takeoff/initial climb at Raymond's Field, Phillips, Maine. The private pilot received minor injuries, and the one passenger reported no injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91 and the intended destination was Rochester, New Hampshire. The pilot reported that the airplane appeared to be climbing normally during initial climb, but when it reached about 60 feet above the ground the airplane "started to sink" and the left wing struck a tree off the departure end of runway 13. The aircraft rotated 180 degrees and descended to the ground. According to an FAA Safety Inspector, a witness reported that the pilot took off with a tailwind and that the engine was operating. A weather observation made at 1945 in Bangor, Maine, (located 55 nautical miles east of the accident site) recorded winds out of 040 degrees at 7 knots, and a temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Examination of the accident site revealed that the pilot was taking off from a 2300 foot-long, turf strip, and the airplane was 25 pounds over the maximum certificated gross weight. There was no evidence or claim of preimpact mechanical malfunction.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 EDT
Nearest AirportRaymond'S Field (0nm SE)
Runway13
Runway Length2800 ft
Runway Width90 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-38-112
Tail NumberN91469
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 112
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 7 kt
Visibility3 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time04:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data