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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

January 8, 2003 · Aero Commander 100 · N3628X

Geneva, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 8, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Geneva, AL
Aircraft
Aero Commander 100
Tail Number
N3628X
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL03LA032

The accident occurred during the initial takeoff from a private grass airstrip in Geneva, Alabama. According to the pilot, as the airplane accelerated down the runway during the attempted takeoff, the airplane would not climb and he could not explain why. According to the pilot, he elected to abort the takeoff with approximately 400 feet of runway remaining. When the pilot elected to abort the takeoff, the airplane veered off the right side of the runway and collided with trees. Examination of the airplane revealed that the elevator trim was observed in the full nose down position. The right wing was damaged at the root and the right wing spar was bent. The pilot did not report any mechanical difficulties prior to the accident. According to the pilot's operating handbook the pre-takeoff checklist requires the elevator trim be set for takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to achieve takeoff due to a mistrimmed elevator, and his failure to maintain directional control.

Full Narrative

On January 8, 2003, at 1020 central standard time, an Aero Commander 100, N3628X, registered to and owned by the pilot, collided with trees adjacent to the east runway at a private airstrip. The accident occurred during the initial takeoff from the private airstrip in Geneva, Alabama. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the private pilot was not injured. The local flight departed Geneva, Alabama, on January 8, 2003 at 1019. According to the pilot, recent maintenance had been completed on the airplane in Geneva, and the purpose of the flight was to reposition the airplane to his home in Pensacola, Florida. The pilot stated that he preflight the airplane and performed a run up. The pilot taxied the airplane to the north departure end of the private grass airstrip. The pilot stated that the grass airstrip was approximately 2600 feet long. As the airplane accelerated down the runway during the attempted takeoff, the pilot said the airplane became airborne for a few seconds but would not climb and he could not explain why. According to the pilot, while still airborne he elected to abort take off. The airplane touched down on the runway with approximately 400 feet of runway remaining. During landing roll the airplane veered to the left, and the pilot applied full power. The airplane then veered to the right and rolled off the right side of the runway and collided with trees. Examination of the airplane revealed that the elevator trim was observed in the full nose down position. According to the pilot's operating handbook the pre-takeoff checklist requires the elevator trim set for takeoff. The right wing was damaged at the root and the right wing spar was bent. The right vertical stabilizer was damaged. During the on scene investigation the pilot stated that the airplane was developing full power. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:20 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAero Commander 100
Tail NumberN3628X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 69 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 30 C
Altimeter30.17 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data