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September 29, 2003 · Piper PA-28-180 · N2342T

Talladega, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 29, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Talladega, AL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N2342T
Operator
Christopher W Scott
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL03LA148

According to the pilot, he had been taxiing for an hour and a half at idle speed. He was cleared for takeoff, but the takeoff acceleration seemed "sluggish". During the climb out the engine misfired, the airplane climbed approximately 200 feet, and the engine lost power. The airplane landed on runway 21 and rolled off the overrun. Examination of the airplane revealed spar damage to the left and right wing assemblies. The fuselage was buckled and the main landing gear was sheared off. All flight control surfaces were examined and found to be operating correctly. A run up of the engine was conducted, and the engine attained 800 rpm. Review of the Piper Cherokee pilot's operating handbook, section: Warm-up and Ground Check, (Carburetor heat should also be checked prior to take-off to be sure that the control is operating properly, and to clear any ice which may have formed during taxiing). A review of weather data, at the time of the accident, disclosed that conditions were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice. The pilot did not report checking carburetor heat following the long period of ground operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat when weather conditions were favorable for carburetor icing.

Full Narrative

On September 28, 2003, at 2039 central daylight time, a Piper PA28-180, N2342T, registered to Scott's Auto Country and operated by a private pilot, collided with the ground during take-off climb at Talladega Municipal Airport, Talladega, Alabama. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Part 91 with no flight plan. Visual condition prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage, and the pilot and two passengers were not injured. The flight departed Talladega Municipal Airport, Alabama on September 28, 2003, at 2030. According to the pilot, the airplane had been taxing for an hour and a half at idle speed. When the airplane was cleared for take-off, the take-off acceleration seemed "sluggish". The airplane reached 65 knots, and the airplane rotated for climb-out. During climb-out the engine miss-fired, and an emergency transmission was made to the control tower. The airplane climbed approximately 200 feet, and the engine quit. The pilot lowered the nose of the airplane and conducted an emergency landing on runway 21. The airplane landed on the runway and rolled off the overrun. The pilot secured the airplane and instructed the passengers to exit. Examination of the airplane revealed spar damage on the left and right wing assemblies. The fuselage was buckled and the main landing gear was sheared off. All flight control surfaces were examined and found to been operating correctly. A run-up of the engine was conducted, and the engine normally up to 800 rpm. The propeller was bent and a higher rpm was not attainable. Review of the Piper Cherokee pilot's operating handbook, section: Warm-up and Ground Check, (Carburetor heat should also be checked prior to take-off to be sure that the control is operating properly, and to clear any ice which may have formed during taxiing). A review of weather data, at the time of the accident, disclosed that conditions were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice. The pilot did not report checking carburetor heat following the long period of ground operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:39 CDT
Nearest AirportTalladega Muni (0nm SSW)
Runway21
Runway Length6002 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN2342T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorChristopher W Scott
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 36 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind340°
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 43 C
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time02:14
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data