Casualties unknown

Pilot Aborts Takeoff After Slow Acceleration, Aircraft Overruns Runway and Strikes Poles (N8156E)

Glendale, AZ, US

On June 15, 1986, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N8156E) operated by Aztec Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Glendale, AZ. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff roll on a 2,400-foot runway, the pilot aborted after noticing slow acceleration and airspeed below 55 knots at three-fifths of the runway. The aircraft overran, crossed a road, and hit poles. Investigation found a clogged pitot-static system.

Accident Details

During the takeoff roll on a 2,400-foot-long runway, the pilot observed that the aircraft's acceleration was slow. At approximately three-fifths of the way down the runway, the airspeed remained below 55 knots. The pilot elected to abort the takeoff. However, the aircraft overran the end of the runway, crossed a road, and collided with poles before the pilot could bring it to a stop.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the aircraft's pitot-static system revealed that the static port was completely clogged by a gummy substance, and the pitot port was partially clogged by a coiled leaf. Following cleaning, functional testing of the pitot-static system was satisfactory. No other malfunctions or anomalies were reported.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33913. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.