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August 8, 2012 · Piper PA-36-285 · N204AB

Harvey, ND

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 8, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Harvey, ND
Aircraft
Piper PA-36-285
Tail Number
N204AB
Operator
Taylor Ag Services
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN12CA542

Prior to taking off on the aerial application flight, the pilot loaded applicant and fuel which, as reported by the pilot, put the airplane slightly over its maximum gross weight. In addition, he checked the automated report for the nearest airplane weather facility, which reported wind from the north at 4 knots. The pilot departed the private strip, a 2,600 foot-long turf and asphalt runway, to the south toward a river. While on the takeoff roll, with a tailwind, the pilot rotated the airplane for takeoff at the usual rotation point. The airplane climbed to about 3 feet then settled back to the runway. With a quarter of the runway remaining, the pilot continued the takeoff, increased flaps, and verified that the throttle and propeller controls were full forward. The pilot again rotated the airplane and was able to climb about 4 feet when the airplane again settled back to the ground. The pilot then dumped the application load and tried to maintain control of the airplane. The airplane continued a short distance to the opposite river bank, impacted terrain, and slid on its belly. The pilot reported that during the preflight checks the airplane had adequate oil and the fuel was sumped of any water. In addition, the pilot reported normal engine instrumentation prior to the takeoff roll.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s decision to take off with the airplane over its maximum gross weight on a turf runway and with a tailwind, and his subsequent failure to maintain airplane control.

Full Narrative

Prior to takeoff on the aerial application flight the pilot loaded applicant and fuel which, as reported by the pilot, put the airplane slightly over maximum gross weight. In addition, he checked the automated report for the nearest airplane weather facility, which reported wind from the north at four knots. The pilot departed the private strip, a 2,600 foot long turf and asphalt runway, to the south towards a river. While on takeoff roll, with a tailwind, the airplane was rotated for takeoff at the “normal” rotation point. The airplane climbed to about three feet then settled back to the runway. With a quarter of the runway remaining, the pilot continued the takeoff, increased flaps, and verified the throttle and propeller controls were full forward. The pilot again rotated the airplane and was able to climb about four feet when the airplane again settled back to the ground. The pilot then dumped the application load and tried to maintain control of the airplane. The airplane flew a short distance to the opposite river bank, impacted terrain, and slid on its belly. The pilot reported in preflight checks, the airplane had adequate oil and the fuel was sumped of any water. In addition, the pilot reported normal engine instrumentation prior to takeoff roll.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:45 CDT
Nearest AirportPrivate Strip (0nm)
Runway36
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-36-285
Tail NumberN204AB
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTaylor Ag Services
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-720-A1B · Reciprocating · 400
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 27 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.07 inHg
Observation Time00:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data