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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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October 16, 1996 · Piper PA-28R-200 · N16413

Olive Branch, MS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 16, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Olive Branch, MS
Aircraft
Piper PA-28R-200
Tail Number
N16413
Operator
Joseph E Lutz
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL97LA007

The pilot reported that as the takeoff airspeed accelerated to 60 mph, with the landing lights on, he noticed the rear end of a large black bull walking down the center of the runway. During the pilot's attempt to avoid a collision, the right wing struck the bull. Reportedly, the bull came from a pasture adjacent to the airport. In the past, there had been several occurrences of domestic livestock on the airport property from a nearby pasture.

NTSB Probable Cause

The farmer's failure to maintain security of his livestock/animals.

Full Narrative

On October 15, 1996, at 2125 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-200, N16413, collided with a bull on runway 18 during a takeoff roll at the Olive Branch Airport in Olive Branch, Mississippi. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, with a flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the pilot was not injured. The accident occurred during the initial takeoff attempt from Olive Branch. The pilot reported that as the airplane accelerated to 60 mph, with the landing lights on, he noticed the rear end of a large black bull walking down the center of the runway. During the pilot's attempt to avoid a collision, the right wing struck the bull. Despite the collision, the pilot taxied the airplane to the next available taxiway and exited the runway. Reportedly, the bull came from a pasture adjacent to the airport. In the past, there had been several occurrences of domestic livestock on the airport from the same pasture.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:25 CDT
Nearest AirportOlive Branch (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length6000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28R-200
Tail NumberN16413
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJoseph E Lutz
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-C1C · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 37 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind160° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 50
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time02:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data