On November 2, 1987, a Grumman AA-5B (registration N28483) operated by Car Boys Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Leavenworth, IN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff on a bumpy grass strip, the pilot aborted after the aircraft did not reach takeoff speed by mid-field. It overran and struck a fence at the end of the runway.
Incident Overview
An aircraft departing from a private grass strip was involved in a runway excursion and collision with a fence after the pilot aborted the takeoff. The pilot reported that the strip was 'bumpy.'
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, before the takeoff he discussed abort procedures with the pilot-rated passenger seated in the right seat. The pilot stated that if the aircraft had not reached takeoff speed by mid-field, he would abort the takeoff. During the ground run, the aircraft did not achieve the necessary speed before reaching mid-field, prompting the pilot to abort.
Sequence of Events
After deciding to abort, the pilot observed that there was no grass at the end of the runway. He was unable to stop the aircraft in time to avoid colliding with a fence at the runway's end.