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December 2, 2009 · Piper PA-38-112 · N2539K

Patillas, PR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 2, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Patillas, PR
Aircraft
Piper PA-38-112
Tail Number
N2539K
Operator
Velazquez Ramon L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA10CA090

According to the pilot, he conducted a preflight inspection before taking off from the paved, 2,000-foot runway. The takeoff was "normal," but the airplane's climb rate was "not enough to clear trees" at the end of the runway. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the airplane lifted off about 1,500 feet down the runway. The airplane's right wing subsequently hit a tree located to the right of the runway and sustained substantial damage. The inspector also reported no mechanical anomalies and confirmed compression on all engine cylinders. Photographs of the tree indicated that it was about 50 feet beyond and 50 feet to the right of the runway. Straight out and to the left of runway provided a relatively clear pathway. Using the ambient weather conditions, including a 6-knot headwind, the only takeoff performance data available in the pilot's operating handbook indicated that the airplane's takeoff distance to clear a 50-foot obstacle should have been approximately 1,450 feet.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Tree(s)-Contributed to outcome

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, he conducted a pre-flight inspection before taking off from the paved, 2,000-foot runway. The takeoff was "normal," but the airplane's climb rate was "not enough to clear trees" at the end of the runway. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the airplane lifted off about 1,500 feet down the runway. The airplane's right wing subsequently hit a tree located to the right of the runway, and sustained substantial damage. The inspector also reported no mechanical anomalies, and confirmed compression on all engine cylinders. Photographs of the tree indicated it was about 50 beyond, and 50 feet to the right of the runway. Straight out, and to the left of runway provided a relatively clear pathway. Utilizing the ambient weather conditions, including a 6-knot headwind, the only takeoff performance data available in the pilot's operating handbook indicated that the airplane's takeoff distance to clear a 50-foot obstacle should have been approximately 1,450 feet.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:05 AST
Nearest AirportPatillas Airport (0nm)
Runway10
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-38-112
Tail NumberN2539K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorVelazquez Ramon L
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-235 SERIES · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 57 · Unknown · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time12:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data