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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 29, 1997 · Piper PA-28-161 · N80964

Block Island, RI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 29, 1997
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 2 uninjured
Location
Block Island, RI
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N80964
Operator
Three Wing Aircraft Sales
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
IAD97LA094

The pilot reported that all preflight and pre-takeoff checklist items were completed. After the airplane accelerated to 65 knots on the takeoff roll, the pilot 'pulled back on the yoke and the plane wouldn't takeoff.' The pilot aborted the takeoff by 'pulling the throttle to the closed position and simultaneously applying the brakes.' The airplane rolled off the departure end of the runway, down an embankment, struck a chain link fence where it came to rest in an upright position. Faint traces of rubber were found on the runway which corresponded to the wheel marks in the grass which lead to the airplane. The grass did not show indications of tearing or furrowing consistent with heavy braking or skidding tires. No malfunction anomalies were found in the airframe or the engine. The elevator trim was found in a 3/4 nose down position.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to comply with the airplane's takeoff checklist and his delayed decision to abort the takeoff.

Full Narrative

On June 28, 1997, about 2000 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, N80964, was destroyed as it collided with a fence during an aborted takeoff at the Block Island Sate Airport (BID), Block Island, Rhode Island. The certificated private pilot and one passenger were uninjured. A second passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot reported that he had departed Sikorsky Memorial Airport (BDR), Bridgeport, Connecticut, with full tanks, and after landing at BID, did not receive any services. After completing all pre-flight and pre-takeoff items on the checklist, the pilot elected to perform a no flap takeoff. The pilot stated that the airplane accelerated to 65 knots and "I pulled back on the yoke and the plane wouldn't take off." The pilot aborted the takeoff by "pulling the throttle to the closed position and simultaneously applying the brakes." The airplane rolled off the departure end of the runway, down an embankment, and struck a chain link fence where it came to rest in an upright position. A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector and a Rhode Island Airports Corporation Inspector examined the wreckage on June 29, 1997. They reported that faint traces of rubber were found on the runway that corresponded to the wheel marks in the grass which lead to the airplane. The marks in the grass did not show signs of tearing or furrowing consistent with heavy breaking or skidding of tires. No malfunction anomalies were found with the airframe or the engine. The right wing was separated from the fuselage at the forward attaching point with the main wing spar cracked, but was still attached. The right wing fuel tank was compromised, and the left wing fuel tank appeared to be full. Further examination of the flight controls revealed that the elevator trim indicator was set in approximately a 3/4 nose down position. A Piper Pilot Operating Handbook indicated that a normal take-off elevator trim would be neutral or slightly aft of neutral (nose up) setting.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:00 EDT
Nearest AirportBlock Island State (0nm)
Runway28
Runway Length2501 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN80964
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorThree Wing Aircraft Sales
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured2
Total3
Crew 1Age 38 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind240° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time03:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data