Casualties unknown

1982-05-10: Piper PA-38-112 (N2483A) — Robert Baxter — Endicott, NY

Endicott, NY, US

On May 10, 1982, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2483A) operated by Robert Baxter was involved in an aviation accident near Endicott, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the aircraft leaving the runway and colliding with runway lights. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft veered left despite control inputs. The pilot aborted and struck runway lights, causing substantial damage to the landing gear and right wing.

What happened

The accident occurred during the initial phase of flight while the aircraft was accelerating down the runway for departure. As the takeoff roll progressed, the aircraft began to drift toward the left side of the paved surface. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation by applying right rudder and aileron input into the wind, but the aircraft continued its path off the runway centerline.

Realizing that directional control could not be maintained, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. The throttle was closed immediately, but the aircraft had already departed the safe confines of the runway. It collided with the runway lighting fixtures located along the edge of the pavement.

The investigation

Examination of the airframe revealed significant structural damage resulting from the impact with the ground lights. The landing gear sustained substantial damage upon striking the hard surface and fixtures. Additionally, the right wing leading edge was damaged during the collision. The airframe itself suffered substantial damage consistent with a high-energy impact off the runway environment.

Findings

The primary factor in this accident was the loss of directional control during the takeoff roll. Despite the pilot's efforts to correct the veer using standard control inputs, the aircraft could not be kept on the runway. The subsequent collision with stationary objects resulted in substantial damage to critical airframe components.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the aircraft leaving the runway and colliding with runway lights.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03909. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.