On April 29, 1988, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N3014Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Thomasville, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: DUE TO THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PREFLIGHT PLANNING, HE ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF WITH HIS AIRCRAFT WEIGHT ABOVE THE MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT IN A HIGH UNFAVORABLE 90 DEGREE CROSSWIND, FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, AND COLLIDED WITH TREES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft on intersection takeoff from runway 16 with gusty crosswinds exceeded max gross weight by at least 71 lbs, entered left turn after climbing 25 ft, and struck trees at 100 ft AGL.
Accident Overview
A takeoff accident occurred when a pilot attempted departure from runway 16 under crosswind conditions. The local wind was reported from 270 to 290 degrees at 15 knots with gusts. The takeoff was initiated from an intersection located 300 feet from the approach end of the runway.
Sequence of Events
After becoming airborne, the aircraft climbed to approximately 25 feet above ground level (AGL). It then entered a left turn, continuing to climb to about 100 feet AGL. During this maneuver, the aircraft collided with trees.
Weight Considerations
Post-accident calculations indicated that the aircraft was at least 71 pounds over its maximum gross weight at the time of takeoff.
Weather Information
The official weather report used in the investigation was recorded at a station one nautical mile from the accident site.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 29 Apr 1988 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Thomasville, PA?
Aircraft on intersection takeoff from runway 16 with gusty crosswinds exceeded max gross weight by at least 71 lbs, entered left turn after climbing 25 ft, and struck trees at 100 ft AGL.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Apr 1988 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N3014Z, at Thomasville, PA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
DUE TO THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PREFLIGHT PLANNING, HE ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF WITH HIS AIRCRAFT WEIGHT ABOVE THE MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT IN A HIGH UNFAVORABLE 90 DEGREE CROSSWIND, FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, AND COLLIDED WITH TREES.
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