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NTSB Report
May 1, 1982 · Piper PA-28-140 · N40999
Bowling Green, OH
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 1, 1982
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Location
Bowling Green, OH
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N40999
Operator
David Lankenau
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI82FA144
THE PILOT STARTED HIS TAKEOFF WITH THE AIRCRAFT ABOUT 198 LBS OVER ITS MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT LIMIT. THE PLANE WAS OBSERVED TO LIFT OFF NEAR THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY, THEN CONTINUE IN A NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE. SOME WITNESSES OBSERVED THE WINGS ROCKING OR WOBBLING AND/OR THE FUSELAGE FISHTAILING. REPORTEDLY, IT GAINED SOME ALTITUDE, THEN SETTLED INTO AN APARTMENT BUILDING. DURING IMPACT, AN EXPLOSION OCCURRED AND THE AIRCRAFT AND BUILDING WERE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. ALL BUT 1 WITNESS REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE SOUNDED NORMAL.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STARTED HIS TAKEOFF WITH THE AIRCRAFT ABOUT 198 LBS OVER ITS MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT LIMIT. THE PLANE WAS OBSERVED TO LIFT OFF NEAR THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY, THEN CONTINUE IN A NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE. SOME WITNESSES OBSERVED THE WINGS ROCKING OR WOBBLING AND/OR THE FUSELAGE FISHTAILING. REPORTEDLY, IT GAINED SOME ALTITUDE, THEN SETTLED INTO AN APARTMENT BUILDING. DURING IMPACT, AN EXPLOSION OCCURRED AND THE AIRCRAFT AND BUILDING WERE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. ALL BUT 1 WITNESS REPORTED THAT THE ENGINE SOUNDED NORMAL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:43 EDT
Nearest AirportWood County (0nm N)
Runway24
Runway Length2784 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN40999
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorDavid Lankenau
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Fatal4
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 23 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point15 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg