On June 8, 1985, a Piper PA-25-235-B (registration N7336Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Lovington, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt takeoff in high density altitude conditions with insufficient runway length for the aircraft's performance requirements. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted takeoff from a short alfalfa field at high elevation, facing density altitude conditions that exceeded the aircraft's published performance requirements.
What happened
The pilot initiated a takeoff roll toward the east from an unpaved airfield consisting of a 1000-foot mowed alfalfa strip. The location was situated at a field elevation of 3700 feet mean sea level (MSL). Environmental conditions presented significant performance challenges, with the pilot estimating wind conditions from the southeast at 8 miles per hour. Under these atmospheric conditions, the calculated density altitude ranged between 6578 and 6871 feet MSL.
The investigation
Post-incident analysis relied on manufacturer data to evaluate the aircraft's capability relative to the environmental constraints. According to Piper Aircraft Corporation specifications, the airplane required a takeoff distance of 1688 feet to achieve lift-off under standard conditions. The available runway length of 1000 feet was substantially shorter than this requirement.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to attempt takeoff in high density altitude conditions with insufficient runway length for the aircraft's performance requirements.