On September 23, 1984, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N75122) was involved in an aviation accident near Bayse, VA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses observed the aircraft become airborne after a 1500-ft roll, appear behind the power curve, then climb abruptly, bank left, and hit a ridge. Investigation found it was 75 lbs overweight and pilot's blood alcohol was 0.158%.
Introduction
The accident occurred approximately 3 miles south of the airport. The airport elevation was 1263 ft. The aircraft collided with a ridge at about 1840 ft MSL.
Witness Observations
According to witnesses, the aircraft became airborne after rolling only about 1500 ft. It was described as being 'behind the power curve' for a considerable distance before climbing abruptly. The aircraft then banked steeply to the left and collided with a ridge.
Investigation Findings
An investigation revealed that the aircraft was approximately 75 lbs over its maximum gross weight limit during takeoff. The density altitude was computed to be 3000 ft. A check of the pilot's blood showed an alcohol level of 0.158% (158 mg%) approximately 3 hours after the accident. A check of the right front seat occupant's blood showed an alcohol level of 0.246% (246 mg%).
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 23 Sept 1984 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Bayse, VA?
Witnesses observed the aircraft become airborne after a 1500-ft roll, appear behind the power curve, then climb abruptly, bank left, and hit a ridge. Investigation found it was 75 lbs overweight and pilot's blood alcohol was 0.158%.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Sept 1984 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N75122, at Bayse, VA.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…