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NTSB Report
April 8, 1990 · Piper PA-22-150 · N8874D
Lovingston, VA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 8, 1990
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (3 serious injuries, 1 minor injury)
Location
Lovingston, VA
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-150
Tail Number
N8874D
Operator
Larry Saunders/Thomas Hall
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO90LA034
THE PLT REPORTED THAT BEFORE TAKEOFF THE WIND WAS CALM. HOWEVER, DURING THE TAKEOFF THERE WAS A SUDDEN TAILWIND. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, HE LIFTED OFF AT 65 MPH, BUT WAS UNABLE TO CLIMB AND THE ACFT SETTLED BACK DOWN ON THE RWY. THE ACFT OVERRAN THE 1800 FT LONG-GRASS RUNWAY AND WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. THE PLT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.
NTSB Probable Cause
PILOT FAILURE TO CLIMB OUT OF GROUND EFFECT BECAUSE OF INADEQUATE AIRSPEED. FACTOR WAS UNFAVORABLE WIND AT TAKEOFF.
Full Narrative
THE PLT REPORTED THAT BEFORE TAKEOFF THE WIND WAS CALM. HOWEVER, DURING THE TAKEOFF THERE WAS A SUDDEN TAILWIND. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, HE LIFTED OFF AT 65 MPH, BUT WAS UNABLE TO CLIMB AND THE ACFT SETTLED BACK DOWN ON THE RWY. THE ACFT OVERRAN THE 1800 FT LONG-GRASS RUNWAY AND WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. THE PLT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:20 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length1800 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-22-150
Tail NumberN8874D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLarry Saunders/Thomas Hall
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (3 serious injuries, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious3
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO