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NTSB Report
April 23, 1989 · Piper PA-28-181 · N1789H
Laurel, MD
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 23, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Laurel, MD
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-181
Tail Number
N1789H
Operator
Suburban Air Services
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
BFO89LA031
THE PLT STATED THAT THE AIRPLANE DID NOT ACCELERATE AFTER BECOMING AIRBORNE DURING THE SHORT FIELD TAKEOFF. THE TAKEOFF WAS ABORTED AND THE ACFT TRAVELED INTO A WOODED AREA OFF THE END OF THE RWY. AFTER THE PILOT AND THREE PASSENGERS EVACUATED THE ACFT, A SMALL FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE AREA. UNABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH HAND HELD EXTINGUISHERS, THE FIRE DESTROYED THE ACFT. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE FAILED TO REVEAL ANY FAILURES/MALFUNCTIONS WHICH WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THE ACFT FROM ACCELERATING PROPERLY.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED DURING THE ATTEMPTED SHORT FIELD TAKEOFF FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.
Full Narrative
THE PLT STATED THAT THE AIRPLANE DID NOT ACCELERATE AFTER BECOMING AIRBORNE DURING THE SHORT FIELD TAKEOFF. THE TAKEOFF WAS ABORTED AND THE ACFT TRAVELED INTO A WOODED AREA OFF THE END OF THE RWY. AFTER THE PILOT AND THREE PASSENGERS EVACUATED THE ACFT, A SMALL FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE AREA. UNABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH HAND HELD EXTINGUISHERS, THE FIRE DESTROYED THE ACFT. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE FAILED TO REVEAL ANY FAILURES/MALFUNCTIONS WHICH WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THE ACFT FROM ACCELERATING PROPERLY.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 EDT
Nearest AirportSUBURBAN (0nm N)
Runway3
Runway Length2165 ft
Runway Width30 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-181
Tail NumberN1789H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorSuburban Air Services
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4M · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 28 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 8 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 21 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:52
Weather SourceWFAC