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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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July 7, 1991 · Piper PA-28RT-201T PA-28RT-20 · N83165

Sonora, TX

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 7, 1991
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 2 uninjured
Location
Sonora, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-28RT-201T PA-28RT-20
Tail Number
N83165
Operator
Travis N Hand
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW91LA118

THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF FROM A ROUGH, DOWNHILL AIRSTRIP ON A PRIVATE RANCH WHEN THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A CATTLE FENCE, BUSHES, AND A DIRT EMBANKMENT. THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER. NUMEROUS GROUND SCRAPE MARKS WERE OBSERVED ON THE GROUND ALONG THE AIRPLANE'S DEPARTURE PATH. THE DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS REPORTED TO BE 5,000 FEET. THE PILOT WAS FLYING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT POSITION WITH HIS SON IN THE LEFT FRONT SEAT. THE PILOT STATED, 'AT THE POINT OF GO/NO-GO, WE HAD TO CONTINUE AS WE COULD NOT GET STOPPED IN THAT DISTANCE.' NO MECHANICAL ANOMALIES WERE FOUND TO ANY AIRPLANE SYSTEM.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER AIRCRAFT CONTROL DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND RUN. FACTORS WERE THE DENSITY ALTITUDE AND THE ROUGH TERRAIN.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF FROM A ROUGH, DOWNHILL AIRSTRIP ON A PRIVATE RANCH WHEN THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A CATTLE FENCE, BUSHES, AND A DIRT EMBANKMENT. THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER. NUMEROUS GROUND SCRAPE MARKS WERE OBSERVED ON THE GROUND ALONG THE AIRPLANE'S DEPARTURE PATH. THE DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS REPORTED TO BE 5,000 FEET. THE PILOT WAS FLYING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT POSITION WITH HIS SON IN THE LEFT FRONT SEAT. THE PILOT STATED, 'AT THE POINT OF GO/NO-GO, WE HAD TO CONTINUE AS WE COULD NOT GET STOPPED IN THAT DISTANCE.' NO MECHANICAL ANOMALIES WERE FOUND TO ANY AIRPLANE SYSTEM.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 CDT
Nearest AirportWhitehead Ranch (0nm N)
Runway36
Runway Length3500 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28RT-201T PA-28RT-20
Tail NumberN83165
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTravis N Hand
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-360-FB1B · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured2
Total4
Crew 1Age 48 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 10 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT

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Appendix: Source Data