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March 21, 2021 · Piper PA-28-180 · N24JN

West Chester, PA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 21, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
West Chester, PA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180 (1968)
Tail Number
N24JN
Operator
Brandywine Flight School
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA21LA161

The pilot reported that, while on his takeoff roll, the airplane veered to the left of the runway centerline when he glanced down to check the instruments. He corrected with right rudder to return to the center; however, he overcorrected and then added left rudder. Before he was able to correct, the airplane exited the left side of the runway and struck the precision approach path indicator lights, which breached the left fuel tank and ignited a fire in the left wing. The airplane subsequently crossed a taxiway, travelled down an embankment, and impacted a maintenance hangar. The pilot egressed through the right cockpit door and was able to extinguish the fire. The airplane’s left wing was substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with airport lights and a hangar.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that, while on his takeoff roll, the airplane veered to the left of the runway centerline when he glanced down to check the instruments. He corrected with right rudder to return to the center; however, he overcorrected and then added left rudder. Before he was able to correct, the airplane exited the left side of the runway and struck the precision approach path indicator lights, which breached the left fuel tank and ignited a fire in the left wing. The airplane subsequently crossed a taxiway, travelled down an embankment, and impacted a maintenance hangar. The pilot egressed through the right cockpit door and was able to extinguish the fire. The airplane’s left wing was substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:35 EDT
Nearest AirportBrandywine Rgnl (0nm S)
Runway09/2
Runway Length3347 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN24JN
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBrandywine Flight School
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360A4A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 23 C
Altimeter30.56 inHg
Observation Time08:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data