On June 22, 1984, a Piper PA-16 (registration N6826K) operated by Jay Miller was involved in an aviation accident near Haines, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt takeoff on a short airstrip after the headwind had ceased, which resulted in an inadequate takeoff distance and subsequent overrun. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft failed to become airborne during takeoff on a short airstrip after the wind died down, resulting in an overrun into underbrush and a gully.
What happened
The pilot attempted to depart from a short airstrip that had previously been used for landing with a 10-knot headwind. During the takeoff roll, the wind conditions changed significantly. According to the pilot's account, the wind stopped entirely while the aircraft was accelerating down the runway. As a result of the lack of airflow over the wings, the aircraft was unable to generate sufficient lift to become airborne.
The aircraft continued its forward momentum past the end of the paved surface. It exited the departure end of the runway and entered the surrounding terrain. The aircraft collided with underbrush and came to rest in a gully located adjacent to the airstrip.
The investigation
Post-accident examination focused on the operational circumstances rather than mechanical failure. The pilot acknowledged that the airstrip was marginal for the conditions encountered. He stated that he should not have attempted the departure given the change in wind conditions and the short length of the available runway.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to attempt takeoff on a short airstrip after the headwind had ceased, which resulted in an inadequate takeoff distance and subsequent overrun.