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August 28, 2002 · Piper PA-28-140 · N5781F

Big Creek, ID

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 28, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Big Creek, ID
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N5781F
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA02LA167

During a high density altitude takeoff, just as the aircraft's main gear were lifting off the runway, the aircraft dropped firmly back onto the runway surface. At that point, the pilot looked at the windsock at the far end of the runway and saw that it indicated a tailwind. He therefore elected to abort the takeoff, but failed to maintain adequate directional control of the aircraft during its deceleration. The aircraft therefore departed the left side of the runway, whereupon the nose gear and right main gear entered a nearby drainage ditch, which allowed the right wing to impact the terrain and sustain substantial damage.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the aborted takeoff. Factors include high density altitude, variable winds, and a ditch near the point where the aircraft departed the side of the runway.

Full Narrative

On August 28, 2002, approximately 1650 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N5781F, impacted the terrain during an aborted takeoff from Big Creek Airport, Big Creek Lodge, Idaho. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured, but the aircraft, which is owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal pleasure flight, which was departing for McCall, Idaho, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan had been filed. According to the pilot, during the takeoff roll, just as the main gear were lifting off, the aircraft seemed to lose lift and "dropped" back onto the runway surface. At that point, the pilot looked at the windsock at the far end of the runway and determined that it was indicating a tailwind. He therefore made the decision to abort, but as he tried to bring the aircraft to a stop, he was unable to maintain directional control and the aircraft departed the left side of the runway. After departing the runway, the aircraft's nose gear and right main gear entered a nearby drainage ditch, thus allowing the right wing to impact the terrain and sustain substantial damage. Based on the ambient conditions of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and an altimeter setting of 30.20 inches of mercury, it was determined that the density altitude at the time of the attempted takeoff was approximately 7,550 feet. According to the pilot, the engine seemed to be producing "peak power," and there were no indications that there had been any problem with the engine or the aircraft's systems.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:50 MDT
Nearest AirportBIGCREEK (0nm)
Runway01
Runway Length3550 ft
Runway Width110 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN5781F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data