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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

July 7, 2001 · Piper PA-24-250 · N7994P

Fragaria, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 7, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fragaria, WA
Aircraft
Piper PA-24-250
Tail Number
N7994P
Operator
Love Stephen W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA01LA129

The pilot landed the Piper PA-24-250, 200-300 feet beyond the displaced threshold of the 2,200 foot long dry, upsloping, grass runway. After touchdown he observed a deer standing slightly right of the runway centerline and chose not to attempt a go-around maneuver on the unidirectional runway because of the upsloping runway condition and tall trees at the north end. The pilot believed that the deer was too close to allow the aircraft to stop in time and thus maneuvered to the left side of the runway trying to avoid a collision. He applied full brakes and during the landing roll, the aircraft departed the left side of the runway encountering an embankment and ground looping to a stop. The pilot reported that the runway width was 50 feet with an approximate 25 feet of additional surface outboard of each side of the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate directional control. Contributing factors were the embankment and the deer.

Full Narrative

On July 7, 2001, approximately 1030 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-24-250, N7994P, registered to and being flown by a private pilot was substantially damaged during an on-ground collision with trees and a deer during landing roll at Vaughan Ranch Airfield, near Fragaria, Washington. The pilot was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was operated under 14CFR91, and originated from Boeing Field, Seattle, Washington, about 1020 on the morning of the accident. The pilot reported that upon arrival at the Vaughn private airstrip he entered the traffic pattern for landing. He further reported that, "...Upon aligning with the runway [02], I lowered full flaps and verified that the runway was clear...." The pilot slowed his approach speed to 85 miles per hour, adjusted his glide slope to clear the trees at the approach end of the 2,200 foot long grass runway, and touched down about 200-300 feet beyond the displaced threshold. He continued reporting "I...saw a deer standing slightly right of centerline at approximately 1/3 to1/2 way along the length of the runway...." The pilot chose not to attempt a go-around maneuver on the unidirectional runway because of the upsloping runway and tall trees at the north end. The pilot further reported, "...I applied full brakes and watched the deer turn to look my direction then look away but it remained standing in the same spot. The deer was too close to allow the aircraft to stop in time and was facing slightly to the right so I maneuvered to the left side of the runway trying to avoid collision with the deer. The airplane continued to the left until the left wing and landing gear contacted an embankment on the left side of the runway...." The aircraft was traveling about 30-40 miles per hour when it ground looped and came to rest along the left edge of the runway. The pilot reported that the runway width was 50 feet with an approximate 25 feet additional surface outboard of each side of the runway. He also reported that there were tall trees on either side of the runway and at the runway's north end.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 PDT
Nearest AirportVAUGHN (0nm)
Runway02
Runway Length2200 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-24-250
Tail NumberN7994P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLove Stephen W
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-A1D5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 52
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time17:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data