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June 26, 2000 · Piper PA-28-140 · N98117

Grant, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 26, 2000
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Grant, MI
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N98117
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI00LA174

The airstrip (runway 27) being used for takeoff was bordered by trees on the north and west sides and the winds were from 210 degrees at 15 knots gusting to 20 knots. The pilot stated there was turbulence on takeoff from the left quartering headwind. He reported that at an altitude of 150 to 200 feet above the ground, the right wing "dipped severely down (on knife edge)" and he corrected the attitude, but the airplane started to buffet. In order to avoid going into the wooded area, he banked the airplane to the left to fly over a corn field with a headwind; however, the airplane continued to descend. The pilot reported the airplane descended until it contacted the terrain in the corn field. He stated that just after touch down the nose gear contacted a "large rock" and the airplane spun around prior to coming to rest.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in a stall/mush condition. Factors associated with the accident were the trees and gusty wind conditions which resulted in turbulence on takeoff.

Full Narrative

On June 26, 2000, at 1115 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N98117, collided with the terrain following a loss of control during initial takeoff climb at the Grant Airstrip, Grant, Michigan. The takeoff was being performed on runway 27 (2,517' x 120', grass). The pilot and two passengers received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions and a VFR flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident with a destination of Rollo, Missouri. The airstrip being used for takeoff was bordered by trees on the north and west sides. The pilot reported the winds were from 210 degrees at 15 knots gusting to 20 knots. He stated that on takeoff he encountered turbulence from the left quartering headwind. The pilot reported that at an altitude of 150 to 200 feet above the ground, the right wing "dipped severely down (on knife edge)." He stated that he corrected the attitude, but the airplane started to buffet. The pilot reported that in order to avoid going into the wooded area, he banked the airplane to the left to fly over a corn field with a headwind; however, the airplane continued to descend. The pilot reported the airplane descended until it contacted the terrain in the corn field. He stated that just after touch down the nose gear contacted a "large rock" and the airplane spun around prior to coming to rest. Post accident inspection of the airplane revealed damage to both wings, the firewall and engine mounts. In addition, the nose gear and right main gear were separated from the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:15 EDT
Nearest AirportGRANT (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length2517 ft
Runway Width120 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN98117
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 15 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2800 ft
Temperature / Dew Point15 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data