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October 30, 2009 · Piper PA-28-140 · N1721T

Angwin, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 30, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Angwin, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N1721T
Operator
Lee Mize
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR10CA035

The pilot reported that he positioned the airplane for the night takeoff approximately 1/4-mile from the start of Runway 34. He attempted to activate the runway lights using the radio; however, he had selected an incorrect frequency. He used his landing light and positioned the airplane where he believed the runway was located. As the airplane approached 65 miles per hour, he saw grass and dirt. His passenger requested that he stop the airplane; however, the pilot felt that his options were better if he continued the takeoff. The passenger continued to request that he stop the airplane and the groundspeed was about 80 miles per hour. The pilot further reported that the passenger’s seat was positioned further back than his and that the passenger was pulling the yoke aft and her feet were pushing on the rudder pedals. The airplane then impacted a fence. Later activation of the airport lighting system revealed no operational anomalies when the correct radio frequency was selected.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to properly identify the runway surface for takeoff and his subsequent failure to abort the takeoff when he realized he was not on the runway. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to select the appropriate radio frequency to activate the runway lights.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he positioned the airplane for the night time takeoff approximately 1/4-mile from the start of runway 34. He attempted to activate the runway lights using the radio; however, he had selected an incorrect frequency. He used his landing light and positioned the airplane where he believed the runway was located. As the airplane approached 65 miles per hour, he saw grass and dirt. His passenger requested that he stop the airplane but in his opinion, he felt his options were better if he continued the takeoff. The passenger continued to request that he stop the airplane and the groundspeed was about 80 miles per hour. The pilot further reported that the passenger’s seat was positioned farther back than his and that the passenger was pulling the yoke aft and her feet were pushing on the rudder pedals. The airplane then impacted a fence. Later activation of the airport lighting system revealed no operational anomalies when the correct radio frequency was selected.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:31 PDT
Nearest AirportAngwin-Parrett Field Airport (0nm)
Runway34
Runway Length3217 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN1721T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLee Mize
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 75 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 48
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time02:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data