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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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NTSB Report

March 16, 2002 · Annis Fisher FP-202 · N4348V

Parksley, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 16, 2002
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Parksley, VA
Aircraft
Annis Fisher FP-202
Tail Number
N4348V
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC02LA073

The pilot completed the engine run up checks, and then taxied the homebuilt airplane onto the 1,100-foot grass runway. He advanced the throttle, and the engine responded normally. The pilot released the brakes, and the airplane started to accelerate. During the ground roll, the pilot noticed no change in engine noise or rpm, but felt the airplane was accelerating slower than normal, which he contributed to the fact it had rained the day before, making the ground soft and the grass wet. Even with the reduced acceleration, he felt he could safely continue the takeoff. The airplane lifted off about 2/3 down the runway, striking some power lines during the initial climb, and then impacted the ground. The pilot reported he experienced no preimpact failures or malfunctions with the airplane, and that the airplane normally utilizes 300 to 500 feet of runway before lifting off.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff. A factor in the accident was the soft wet runway.

Full Narrative

On March 16, 2002, about 1640 eastern standard time, a homebuilt Fisher FP-202, N4348V, was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground after striking wires during takeoff from a private airstrip near Parksley, Virginia. The certificated commercial pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, which was destined for Crisfield Municipal Airport (W41), Crisfield, Maryland. No flight plan was filed, and the flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, he boarded the airplane, started the engine, and taxied short of a 1,100-foot grass runway. He completed the engine run up checks, and then taxied onto the runway for an east departure. The pilot advanced the throttle and the engine responded normally, with the engine RPM stabilizing around 6,100. The pilot released the brakes, and the airplane started to accelerate. During the ground roll, the pilot noticed no change in engine noise or rpm, but felt the airplane was accelerating slower than normal. He contributed the slower acceleration to the fact it had rained the day before, making the ground soft and the grass wet. Even with the reduced acceleration, the pilot felt he could safely continue the takeoff. The airplane lifted off about 2/3 down the runway. On initial climb, the airplane struck a set of power lines, which caused the nose to pitch down. The pilot applied left rudder to avoid hitting a house, and the airplane struck the ground in an open area. The pilot reported that he experienced no preimpact failures or malfunctions with the airplane. In addition, he contributed the accident to his decision to continue the takeoff, and the increased ground roll caused by the soft runway conditions. The pilot added that normally the airplane used 300 to 500 feet of runway before becoming airborne.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:40 EST
Nearest AirportPrivate Airstrip (0nm ESE)
Runway110
Runway Length1100 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAnnis Fisher FP-202
Tail NumberN4348V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 447 · Reciprocating · 40
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 82 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time21:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data