On April 18, 1989, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N1490T) operated by Fair, Paul R. was involved in an aviation accident near Fresno, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff despite experiencing mushy controls and stall indications, which led to a forced landing and subsequent collision with a fence pole. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot aborted takeoff after reporting mushy controls and a stall warning, executing a forced landing in a field where the aircraft struck a fence pole.
What happened
Shortly after liftoff, the pilot experienced unusual control responses from the airplane. The pilot reported that the aircraft felt "mushy" and indicated that it was approaching a stall condition. In response to these symptoms, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff maneuver.
The pilot executed a forced landing in an adjacent field. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with a fence pole. There were no reported mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane at the time of the accident.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff despite experiencing mushy controls and stall indications, which led to a forced landing and subsequent collision with a fence pole.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 18 Apr 1989 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Fresno, CA?
A pilot aborted takeoff after reporting mushy controls and a stall warning, executing a forced landing in a field where the aircraft struck a fence pole.
Were there any fatalities in the 18 Apr 1989 Piper PA-28-140 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Apr 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N1490T, operated by Fair, Paul R., at Fresno, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to continue the takeoff despite experiencing mushy controls and stall indications, which led to a forced landing and subsequent collision with a fence pole.
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