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NTSB Report

August 5, 2004 · Piper PA-20 · N1529A

Glendale, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 5, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Glendale, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA-20
Tail Number
N1529A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX04CA286

During the takeoff roll the airplane departed the left side of the runway and collided with a ditch. The pilot usually raised the tail as soon as the elevator was effective, accelerated to takeoff speed, and rotated. On this flight he was attempting a 3-point takeoff technique that he had been shown, but never attempted himself. During the takeoff roll he lost directional control, departed the left side of the runway at a low speed, crossed a taxiway, and impacted a ditch. The pilot indicated that the airplane had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.

Full Narrative

On August 5, 2004, at 0734 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-20, N1529A, collided with terrain during takeoff at Glendale Municipal Airport, Glendale, Arizona. The private pilot owned the airplane, and was operating it under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot and passenger were not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight plan had not been filed. The personal cross-country flight was originating at Glendale. The pilot submitted a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2). He stated that he was purchasing the airplane, and made an acceptance flight with the seller. The seller made the initial takeoff from a 3-point attitude. The pilot then did three landings and two takeoffs. For his takeoffs, the pilot raised the tail as soon as the elevator was effective, accelerated to takeoff speed, and rotated. He had been trained using this technique. He had never attempted a takeoff using a 3-point attitude. After the acceptance flight, the pilot discussed takeoff technique with the seller, and decided that he would attempt the seller's 3-point technique on his flight home. During the takeoff roll, the airplane swerved left. The pilot stated that he undercorrected. The airplane departed the left side of the runway at a low speed, crossed a taxiway, and impacted a ditch. The pilot indicated that the airplane had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:34 MST
Nearest AirportGlendale Muni (0nm)
Runway01
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-20
Tail NumberN1529A
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290-D · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 49 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data