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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

June 8, 2017 · Piper PA 28 140 · N4543R

Auburn, IN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 8, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Auburn, IN
Aircraft
Piper PA 28 140 (1965)
Tail Number
N4543R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA336

The pilot reported that he attempted to take off in the airplane from his turf airstrip. He attempted to force the airplane into the air, and after a brief ascent, the airplane descended to the ground and touched down hard. The pilot continued the sequence of lifting off and then touching down again until he determined that he would not be able to clear the trees at the end of the runway. He made a left turn, and the airplane traveled through two fields, hit a ditch, and collided with a barn. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had aborted the takeoff after the first bounce. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s decision to continue to attempt to take off despite the airplane’s inability to attain a positive climb rate, which resulted in little runway remaining, and his subsequent decision to turn off the runway, which resulted in a collision with a barn.

Full Narrative

The pilot in the airplane reported that he attempted to take off from his turf airstrip. He attempted to force the airplane into the air and after a brief ascent the airplane descended to the ground and touched down hard. The pilot continued to the previous sequence until he determined that he would not be able to clear the trees at the end of the runway. He made a left turn, and the airplane traveled through a bean field, a hay field, and hit a ditch and collided with a barn. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.Per the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented, if he had aborted the takeoff after the first bounce the accident never would have happened. 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 Time14:00 EDT
Nearest AirportMooney Field (0nm WSW)
Runway27
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 28 140
Tail NumberN4543R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 74 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time16:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data