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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

May 18, 2003 · Piper PA-32R-301T · N99TX

Paulden, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 18, 2003
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Location
Paulden, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA-32R-301T
Tail Number
N99TX
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX03LA154

The airplane collided with power lines in the takeoff initial climb from a dirt airstrip. The pilot said that in the takeoff roll he noticed that it was taking longer than normal to lift off from the dirt airport. Upon rotation the pilot maintained a nose high attitude attempting to climb, but the pilot did not retract the landing gear. The airplane remained in ground effect and would not climb. The airplane struck a set of utility lines at the end of the runway. The density altitude was computed to be 6,167 feet. The pilot said that there were no mechanical malfunctions with either the engine or the airframe.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to attain and maintain the proper climb airspeed. The high density altitude condition was a factor.

Full Narrative

On May 18, 2003, about 0930 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-32R-301T, N99TX, collided with power lines while departing from Big Springs Ranch Airport (AZ27), Paulden, Arizona. The owner/pilot was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and three passengers sustained minor injuries; the post impact fire destroyed the airplane. The personal cross-country flight was departing Paulden en route to Salt Lake City, Utah. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The primary wreckage was at 34 degrees 54 minutes north latitude and 112 degrees 32 minutes west longitude. A witness who lives on the airport saw the airplane taking off on runway 24. He watched the airplane lift off and maintain a nose high attitude, but it failed to gain altitude. The airplane engine sounded normal to him. The airplane struck power lines located at the west end of runway 24. The pilot reported that he was departing AZ27 using runway 24, which is a dirt runway. During the takeoff roll the airplane did not "lift off as early" as he was accustomed to with less weight. He was nervous about the power lines at the end of the runway. He rotated and kept the airplane in a nose high attitude trying to clear the power lines. The pilot did not retract the landing gear. The airplane continued to fly after rotation, but did not climb out of ground effect. The airplane struck the bottom set of utility lines. After the airplane came to rest, everyone exited the airplane with only minor injuries. In his written report, the pilot said that there were no mechanical malfunctions with either the engine or the airframe. The density altitude was computed to be 6,167 feet.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 MST
Nearest AirportBig Spring Ranch (0nm)
Runway24
Runway Length4300 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32R-301T
Tail NumberN99TX
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-SIAD · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury Summary4 injuries (4 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor4
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 41 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data