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NTSB Report
October 20, 1990 · Piper PA-28-140 · N4167J
Amelia, VA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 20, 1990
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Amelia, VA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N4167J
Operator
Dennis F Harrup Jr
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
BFO91LA004
THE PLT ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF ON AN UPHILL 1800 FT LONG RWY. WITNESSES REPORTED THE ACFT TOOK OFF DOWNWIND. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, THE ACFT LIFTED OFF BUT SHORTLY AFTERWARDS IT BEGAN TO SETTLE BACK DOWN BEYOND THE END OF THE RWY. THE ACFT DESCENDED AND STRUCK TREES. THE PLT REPORTED THE ENGINE RAN THE ENTIRE TIME. POST-CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT DID NOT DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION AND HIS INTERE UPHILL RUNWAY AND TAILWIND.
Full Narrative
THE PLT ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF ON AN UPHILL 1800 FT LONG RWY. WITNESSES REPORTED THE ACFT TOOK OFF DOWNWIND. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, THE ACFT LIFTED OFF BUT SHORTLY AFTERWARDS IT BEGAN TO SETTLE BACK DOWN BEYOND THE END OF THE RWY. THE ACFT DESCENDED AND STRUCK TREES. THE PLT REPORTED THE ENGINE RAN THE ENTIRE TIME. POST-CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT DID NOT DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN4167J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorDennis F Harrup Jr
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Unknown · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 41 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:50
Weather SourceWFAC