Casualties unknown

1984-10-04: Piper PA-38-112 (N91353) — Wauchula, FL

Wauchula, FL, US

On October 4, 1984, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N91353) was involved in an aviation accident near Wauchula, FL. 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

A pilot used an outdated sectional chart and landed at a closed, unmaintained airport. On departure, the aircraft failed to accelerate properly, became airborne in ground effect, and the pilot aborted the takeoff, overrunning the runway and colliding with a ditch.

Background

The pilot utilized an outdated sectional chart and subsequently landed at a former airport that was no longer maintained and had been closed. The airport surface was covered with grass 10 to 12 inches in height.

Departure

During the departure attempt, the pilot employed soft field takeoff procedures. The aircraft did not accelerate properly and became airborne in ground effect at minimal speed. The pilot determined that the aircraft would not clear obstacles at the end of the runway and aborted the takeoff.

Accident

The aircraft overran the airport surface and collided with a ditch. An investigation revealed that the flaps were set at full down during the departure. The engine was subsequently removed and examined; no discrepancies were found during the teardown.

Investigation

The investigation documented the following factual findings: the pilot was using an outdated sectional chart, which led to landing at a closed airport; the runway was not maintained and had tall grass; the flaps were deployed fully downward; and the engine operated without any anomalies.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41424. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.