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NTSB Report
June 16, 1988 · Piper PA-32R-301T PA-32R-301 · N4379A
Lake Wales, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 16, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (6 uninjured)
Location
Lake Wales, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-32R-301T PA-32R-301
Tail Number
N4379A
Operator
Smith Roy V
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA88LA193
DURING TAKEOFF FROM THE GRASS STRIP, THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR AND WINGTIP COLLIDED WITH RUNWAY LIGHTS & A FENCEPOST. THE ACFT WAS SLOW TO CLIMB. AFTER CLEARING TREES AT THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RWY, THE ACFT DESCENDED BELOW TREETOP LEVEL, THEN CONTINUED TO THE INTENDED DESTINATION. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED AND THE ACFT SLID TO A STOP. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT REVEALED TREE TWIGS EMBEDDED IN SECTIONS OF THE TAIL.
Full Narrative
DURING TAKEOFF FROM THE GRASS STRIP, THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR AND WINGTIP COLLIDED WITH RUNWAY LIGHTS & A FENCEPOST. THE ACFT WAS SLOW TO CLIMB. AFTER CLEARING TREES AT THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RWY, THE ACFT DESCENDED BELOW TREETOP LEVEL, THEN CONTINUED TO THE INTENDED DESTINATION. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED AND THE ACFT SLID TO A STOP. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT REVEALED TREE TWIGS EMBEDDED IN SECTIONS OF THE TAIL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:30 EDT
Nearest AirportChalet Suzanne Air Strip (0nm N)
Runway36
Runway Length2450 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32R-301T PA-32R-301
Tail NumberN4379A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSmith Roy V
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-S1AD · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (6 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured6
Total6
Crew 1Age 21 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 10 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:52
Weather SourceWFAC