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NTSB Report

April 25, 2002 · Piper PA-32RT-300 · N36555

Viburnum, MO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 25, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Viburnum, MO
Aircraft
Piper PA-32RT-300
Tail Number
N36555
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI02LA123

The airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted a hill during an aborted takeoff from runway 27. The pilot stated that he used an informal short field takeoff procedure using 10 degrees of trailing edge flaps. He also stated that the airplane was 80 lbs over its gross weight limit. After realizing the airplane had a less than expected climb rate, the pilot performed an aborted takeoff on the remainder of runway 27 in an attempt to avoid hitting a church along the climb path. The landing gear was sheared from the airplane, and the right main landing gear impacted the horizontal stabilizer. According to the Pilot's Operating Handbook, 25 degrees of flaps is the flap setting for short field takeoff. There is no published takeoff performance data for 10 degrees of flaps.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper short field takeoff planning and procedure. The takeoff weight above the maximum gross weight and the hill were contributing factors.

Full Narrative

On April 25, 2002, at 1545 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32RT-300, N36555, owned and piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted a hill during an aborted takeoff on runway 27 (3,195 feet by 47 feet, asphalt) at the Viburnum Airport, Viburnum, Missouri. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot and three passengers were uninjured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that he used an informal short field takeoff procedure using 10 degrees of trailing edge flaps. He also stated that the airplane was 80 lbs over its maximum gross weight. After realizing the airplane had a less than expected climb rate, the pilot performed an aborted takeoff on the remainder of runway 27 in an attempt to avoid hitting a church along the climb path. The airplane's landing gear was sheared off by contact with a hill. The right main landing gear impacted the horizontal stabilizer. According to the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for the airplane, 25 degrees of flaps is the proper flap setting for a short field takeoff. The POH does not contain takeoff performance data for a takeoff with 10 degrees of flaps.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 CDT
Nearest AirportViburnum Aiport (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length3195 ft
Runway Width47 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32RT-300
Tail NumberN36555
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1G5D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 3 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 27 C
Altimeter30.27 inHg
Observation Time20:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data