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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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June 1, 1989 · Piper PA-38-112 · N2602L

Criders, VA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 1, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Criders, VA
Aircraft
Piper PA-38-112
Tail Number
N2602L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO89LA040

THE TAKEOFF WAS BEING MADE TO THE EAST ON THE PILOT'S PRIVATE AIRSTRIP. THE PLT REPORTED WINDS FROM THE NORTH AT 5 KTS GUSTING TO 10 KTS. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT AFTER TAKEOFF AT AN ALT OF APRX 30 FT AGL THE ACFT VEERED RIGHT AND DESCENDED INTO A WOODED AREA WHICH BORDERED THE AIRSTRIP. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES OR MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS OF THE AIRPLANE OR ITS SYSTEMS.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE CROSSWIND CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED DURING THE INITIAL TAKEOFF CLIMB.

Full Narrative

THE TAKEOFF WAS BEING MADE TO THE EAST ON THE PILOT'S PRIVATE AIRSTRIP. THE PLT REPORTED WINDS FROM THE NORTH AT 5 KTS GUSTING TO 10 KTS. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT AFTER TAKEOFF AT AN ALT OF APRX 30 FT AGL THE ACFT VEERED RIGHT AND DESCENDED INTO A WOODED AREA WHICH BORDERED THE AIRSTRIP. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES OR MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS OF THE AIRPLANE OR ITS SYSTEMS.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:36 EDT
Nearest AirportSMITHS (0nm N)
Runway9
Runway Length1800 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-38-112
Tail NumberN2602L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 112
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 5 kt, gusting 10 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data