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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

April 29, 1998 · Piper PA-28-181 · N4506Z

Bally, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 29, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bally, PA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-181
Tail Number
N4506Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
NYC98LA105

The pilot was attempting to perform a short field takeoff. He set the trailing edge wing flaps at 25 degrees, and initiated the takeoff roll. He rotated at 50 knots, and when the airplane did not become airborne, he relaxed his right rudder, but did not reduce engine power. The airplane then departed the runway on the left side and struck trees. Later, the pilot stated that he should have maintained directional control by holding right rudder, closed the throttle, and used the brakes to stop the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll; and/or his failure to abort the takeoff, while there was sufficient space available to do so without hitting trees.

Full Narrative

On April 29, 1998, about 1230 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181, N4506Z, was destroyed when it struck trees while departing from the Butter Valley Golf Port Airport, Bally, Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. No flight plan had been filed for the flight which was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, and was destined for Wings Field, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he had prepared for a short field takeoff. He set the trailing edge wing flaps at 25 degrees, and applied full power. When the airspeed reached 50 knots, he pulled back on the control wheel, but the airplane did not leave the ground. He then released the right rudder and the airplane departed the runway on the left side, and struck trees. An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the airplane continued across an open area after it departed the runway, and struck trees about 75 feet to the left of the runway. Both wings separated from the fuselage as it passed between trees. In the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot stated that he should have maintained directional control by holding right rudder, closed the throttle, and used the brakes to stop the airplane. According to FAA data, runway 34 was 2,420 feet long, with the first 1,535 feet of the runway paved with asphalt, and the remaining runway a turf surface. The asphalt portion of the runway was 24 feet wide. According to the FAA inspector, the airplane departed the side of the runway prior to reaching the end of the asphalt surface. According to the FAA records, the pilot received his private pilot certificate on December 17, 1997, with a total time of 131.1 hours, 52.5 hours as pilot-in-command, and 86.1 hours in the accident airplane. In addition, he had flown 5 hours in the preceding 90 days, and 3 hours in the preceding 30 days.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 EDT
Nearest AirportButter Valley (0nm)
Runway34
Runway Length2420 ft
Runway Width24 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-181
Tail NumberN4506Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 38 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 14 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data