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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

October 12, 1998 · Piper PA-32R-301T PA-32R-301 · N4316L

Apple Valley, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 12, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Apple Valley, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-32R-301T PA-32R-301
Tail Number
N4316L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX99LA012

The pilot was picking up two pilots who ferried an aircraft to the paint shop. The aircraft was towed to the departure end of the runway and takeoff checks were completed. The aircraft failed to accelerate normally but the pilot attributed this to either the sand and dirt runway, or the turbocharger lagging. He stated he did not put his heels on the floor and must have inadvertently maintained some brake pressure as he used the rudder to maintain directional alignment. The aircraft passed over a depression in the runway and became airborne momentarily. It settled back to the runway and bounced over a fence. It contacted a tree and the right wing separated at the wing root. The aircraft traveled another 50 feet before coming to rest. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical discrepancies with the aircraft.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadvertent use of the aircraft's brakes while using the rudder pedals to maintain directional alignment during the takeoff roll.

Full Narrative

On October 12, 1998, at 0930 hours Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-32-301T, N4316L, collided with ground obstructions while attempting to takeoff from the Holiday Ranch Airport, Apple Valley, California. The aircraft was operated by the commercial pilot/owner under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and sustained substantial damage. The pilot and his two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight and no flight plan was filed. The pilot picked up two pilots who had flown another plane to the paint shop and was returning to Long Beach, California. The pilot stated the airplane was towed to the end of the runway for a northerly departure and a normal run-up was conducted. After completing the run-up and checking instruments, the pilot applied takeoff power. He used the rudder pedals during the takeoff to maintain directional lineup. Less than normal acceleration was attributed to either the sand/dirt composition of the runway or a lagging turbocharger. He stated he left his feet on the rudder pedals without moving his heels to the floor, and must have inadvertently been applying some brake pressure. Approximately midway down the runway the aircraft traveled through a slight dip in the runway and momentarily became airborne. However, the aircraft fell back to the ground, then bounced back into the air and over a fence. The right wing impacted a tree and separated from the aircraft near the fuselage. The aircraft continued approximately 50 feet before coming to rest. All switches were secured and everyone exited the aircraft. In his written report, the pilot stated that there were no mechanical discrepancies with the aircraft.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 PDT
Nearest AirportHoliday Ranch (0nm)
Runway0
Runway Length2900 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32R-301T PA-32R-301
Tail NumberN4316L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-S1AD · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 66 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 9 kt
Visibility35 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 30 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data