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NTSB Report

June 7, 2004 · Piper PA-28-140 · N41916

Lake Wales, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 7, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Lake Wales, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N41916
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA04CA094

The pilot stated he positioned the airplane at the beginning of runway 36 for a soft-field takeoff noting the turf runway was wet; however, he failed to extend the flaps to the 25 degree setting (2nd notch). He selected an abort point halfway down the runway, advanced power for takeoff and pulled back on the yoke. The takeoff roll was progressing but the airplane was not accelerating sufficiently for takeoff. He lowered the nose to gain additional speed for the takeoff. He noticed the airplane had passed the abort point and aborted the takeoff. At that point he judged the remaining runway inadequate for stopping and advanced the throttle to full power. The airplane became airborne but did not climb when it reached the steep down slope departure end of the runway just before the lake. The airplane contacted the lake coming to rest 15 feet into the lake in about 5 feet of water at an azimuth heading of 180 degrees. He and the passenger exited the airplane without assistance. The pilot stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff resulting in an overrun of the runway and subsequent impact with water. A finding in the accident was the pilot's failure to extend the flaps to the second notch (25 degrees).

Full Narrative

On June 7, 2004, about 1000 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N41916, registered to and operated by DeBenair Aviation Service, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, impacted into the Suzanne Lake at Chalet Suzanne Air Strip, Lake Wales, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The private pilot and passenger reported no injuries, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight was originating at the time. The pilot stated he positioned the airplane at the beginning of runway 36 for a soft-field takeoff noting the turf runway was wet; however, he failed to extend the flaps to the 25 degree setting (2nd notch). He selected an abort point halfway down the runway, advanced power for takeoff and pulled back on the yoke. The takeoff roll was progressing but the airplane was not accelerating sufficiently for takeoff. He lowered the nose to gain additional speed for the takeoff. He noticed the airplane had passed the abort point and aborted the takeoff. At that point he judged the remaining runway inadequate for stopping and advanced the throttle to full power. The airplane became airborne but did not climb when it reached the steep down slope departure end of the runway just before the lake. The airplane contacted the lake coming to rest 15 feet into the lake in about 5 feet of water at an azimuth heading of 180 degrees. He and the passenger exited the airplane without assistance. The pilot stated there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions to the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 EDT
Nearest AirportChalet Suzanne (0nm)
Runway36
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN41916
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
CeilingBroken clouds 2500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time13:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data