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March 19, 2014 · Piper PA 28R-201 201 · N3398M

Ruidoso, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 19, 2014
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Ruidoso, NM
Aircraft
Piper PA 28R-201 201 (1977)
Tail Number
N3398M
Operator
Harvey and Rihn Aviation Tx
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN14CA164

The pilot initiated the takeoff roll from runway 30 with the throttle and mixture control in the full forward position. When the airspeed reached 65 knots, the airplane began to climb and the pilot noticed that the airplane was not accelerating. He flew over the departure end of runway 30 at 100 feet and started a shallow left turn. He noticed that the landing gear indicator lights were illuminated green so he adjusted the landing gear lever down and then up again. The pilot continued to be distracted when the green lights remained illuminated. He then decided to fly to runway 6 and make a forced landing. The airplane was still 100 above the ground and began to lose altitude. The pilot made a forced landing straight ahead into a field and the airplane struck several trees. Prior to departure, the fuel tanks were filled with 40 gallons of fuel and the airplane contained 40 pounds of luggage. The calculated density altitude for the flight was about 7,800 feet. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Based on the information gathered, it is likely that the airplane's performance was degraded due to a high density altitude and a rich fuel-air mixture.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to adjust the engine's fuel-air mixture and decision to takeoff in high density attitude conditions which degraded the airplane's performance.

Full Narrative

The pilot initiated the takeoff roll from runway 30 with the throttle and mixture control in the full forward position. When the airspeed reached 65 knots, the airplane began to climb and the pilot noticed that the airplane was not accelerating. He flew over the departure end of runway 30 at 100 feet and started a shallow left turn. He noticed that the landing gear indicator lights were illuminated green so he adjusted the landing gear lever down and then up again. The green lights remained illuminated. He then decided to fly to runway 6 and make a forced landing. The airplane was still 100 above the ground and began to lose altitude. The pilot made a forced landing straight ahead into a field and the airplane struck several trees. Prior to departure, the fuel tanks were filled with 40 gallons of fuel and the airplane contained 40 pounds of luggage. The calculated density altitude for the flight was about 7,800 feet. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:32 MDT
Nearest AirportSierra Blanca Rgnl (1nm W)
Runway06
Runway Length8120 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 28R-201 201
Tail NumberN3398M
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHarvey and Rihn Aviation Tx
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO360 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 11 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 7 C
Altimeter30.19 inHg
Observation Time23:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data