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NTSB Report
July 24, 1989 · Piper PA-28-140 · N8402C
Vashon, WA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 24, 1989
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Location
Vashon, WA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N8402C
Operator
Tomie L Trotter
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA89LA140
THE PLT RPRTD THAT DURING TAKEOFF, HE ROTATED THE ACFT AT ABOUT MIDPOINT ON THE 1950' STRIP. AFTER THE ACFT CLIMBED ABOUT 30' AGL, THE STALL WARNING HORN BEGAN TO ACTIVATE STEADILY. THE ENG SOUNDED NORMAL, BUT THE PLT BELIEVED THE ACFT WOULD NOT CLEAR TREES AT THE END OF THE STRIP. HE ELECTED TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF & TO LAND IN A OPEN FIELD TO THE LEFT OF THE STRIP. DURING THE LANDING ON SOFT TERRAIN, THE NOSE & MAIN GEAR COLLAPSED. THE PLT RPRTD THE WIND SOCK INDICATION VARIED FROM WHAT HE NOTED AT THE ACDNT LOCATION.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS, HIGH OBSTRUCTIONS (TREES), AND SOFT TERRAIN WHERE THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN DURING THE ABORTED TAKEOFF.
Full Narrative
THE PLT RPRTD THAT DURING TAKEOFF, HE ROTATED THE ACFT AT ABOUT MIDPOINT ON THE 1950' STRIP. AFTER THE ACFT CLIMBED ABOUT 30' AGL, THE STALL WARNING HORN BEGAN TO ACTIVATE STEADILY. THE ENG SOUNDED NORMAL, BUT THE PLT BELIEVED THE ACFT WOULD NOT CLEAR TREES AT THE END OF THE STRIP. HE ELECTED TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF & TO LAND IN A OPEN FIELD TO THE LEFT OF THE STRIP. DURING THE LANDING ON SOFT TERRAIN, THE NOSE & MAIN GEAR COLLAPSED. THE PLT RPRTD THE WIND SOCK INDICATION VARIED FROM WHAT HE NOTED AT THE ACDNT LOCATION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:10 PDT
Nearest AirportVASHON (0nm N)
Runway35
Runway Length1940 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN8402C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTomie L Trotter
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured1
Total3
Crew 1Age 66 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind5 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO