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NTSB Report

May 7, 1999 · Piper PA-28-235 · N9009W

Sulphur Springs, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 7, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Sulphur Springs, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-235
Tail Number
N9009W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW99LA136

The airplane impacted a tree during an aborted takeoff from a 2,000-foot private grass airstrip. The private pilot stated that the takeoff roll was normal and all engine gauges and flight instruments appeared normal, except for the airspeed indicator needle, which remained between 65 and 70 knots. The pilot aborted the takeoff and maneuvered the airplane off the right side of the runway to avoid a tree. However, the airplane's right wing contacted another tree. The grass at the airstrip was between 12 and 14 inches high. The airplane's engine was test run in the airframe at various power settings, including full power. The engine operated within the manufacturer's specifications. The engine maintenance logbooks were reviewed and no record of any uncorrected maintenance discrepancies was found.

NTSB Probable Cause

The delayed aborted takeoff by the pilot-in-command. Factors were the short runway, the tall grass, and the tree.

Full Narrative

On May 7, 1999, at 1625 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-235 airplane, N9009W, was substantially damaged when it impacted a tree during an aborted takeoff from a private grass airstrip near Sulphur Springs, Texas. The private pilot, who was the registered owner and operator of the airplane, and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight and a flight plan was not filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for the Arlington Municipal Airport (F54), Arlington, Texas. According to the 897-hour pilot, the airplane was departing to the south from the 2,000-foot turf runway. He stated that during the takeoff roll, all engine gauges and flight instruments appeared normal, except for the airspeed indicator needle, which remained between 65 and 70 knots. The airplane had traveled 3/4 of the length of the runway when he aborted the takeoff. The pilot maneuvered the airplane to exit the right side (west) of the runway, to avoid contacting a tree. However, the airplane's right wing contacted another tree and the airplane came to a stop upright, on the west side of the runway. An FAA inspector examined the airplane at the accident site and reported that the right wing, including the wing spar, was damaged. The nose landing gear was collapsed. He added that the grass on the turf runway was between 12 and 14 inches high. The engine was examined and test run in the airframe, at Air Salvage of Dallas, Lancaster, Texas, under guidance of the NTSB. The engine was started and operated at various power settings for approximately 15 minutes. Specifications for the Lycoming O-540-B4B5 engine and Sensenich 1P235PF80BM8 fixed pitch propeller state that at FULL POWER the RPM will indicate between 2150 and 2300 RPM. At FULL POWER the RPM fluctuated between 2150 and 2200 RPM. All other engine gauges indicated within the range of normal engine operation. The top and bottom spark plugs were removed from the engine. Each of the six top spark plugs was observed free of sediment and fired consistently when bench tested. The bottom spark plugs appeared free of sediment except for the number 4 and number 1 spark plugs, which displayed a white sediment. When bench tested, the number 4 bottom spark plug and the number 1 bottom spark plug fired intermittently at various power settings. The number 2, 3, 5, and 6 bottom spark plugs fired consistently when bench tested. Additionally, the engine and airframe maintenance logbooks were reviewed and no record of any uncorrected discrepancies was found. The airplane underwent its last annual inspection on May 7, 1999, at 1,642 hours total time.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:25 CDT
Nearest AirportThornbird Ranch (0nm)
Runway18
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-235
Tail NumberN9009W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-B4B5 · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 56 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data