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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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October 19, 1997 · Piper PA-28-151 · N5987F

Vashon, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 19, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Vashon, WA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-151
Tail Number
N5987F
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA98LA005

The pilot stated that shortly after becoming airborne after takeoff, he believed that he would be unable to clear the trees at the departure end of the runway. After aborting the takeoff, the aircraft overran the departure end of the runway. The airplane's right landing gear was pushed up through the wing and the nose gear collapsed. The pilot noted that the runway surface was wet, with fairly fresh mowed grass, which he believed was a contributing factor to a longer than normal takeoff run. He noted that he inspected the aircraft immediately after the accident and he found a lot of grass in the wheel pants.

NTSB Probable Cause

A misjudged soft field takeoff. Factors include wet grass.

Full Narrative

On October 19, 1997, at 1635 Pacific daylight time, N5987F, a Piper PA-28-151, was substantially damaged during overrun after an aborted takeoff. The private pilot and his passenger were uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. There was no report of the ELT actuating. The pilot told FAA inspectors that shortly after becoming airborne after takeoff, he believed that he would be unable to clear the trees at the departure end of the runway. After aborting the takeoff the aircraft overran the departure end of the runway. The airplane's right landing gear was pushed up through the wing and the nose gear collapsed. The pilot noted that the runway surface was wet, with fairly fresh mowed grass, which he believed was a contributing factor to a longer than normal takeoff run. He noted that he inspected the aircraft immediately after the accident and he found a lot of grass in the wheel pants.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:35 PDT
Nearest AirportVashon Municipal (0nm)
Runway35
Runway Length2000 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-151
Tail NumberN5987F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data