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Aircraft Destroyed by Fire After Aborted Takeoff and Off-Runway Encounter (N1789H)

Laurel, MD, US

On April 23, 1989, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N1789H) was involved in an aviation accident near Laurel, MD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED DURING THE ATTEMPTED SHORT FIELD TAKEOFF FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that the airplane did not accelerate after becoming airborne during a short field takeoff. The takeoff was aborted and the aircraft traveled into a wooded area off the runway end. After the pilot and three passengers evacuated, a small engine fire started and destroyed the aircraft.

Flight Details

According to the pilot, the airplane failed to accelerate after becoming airborne during a short field takeoff. The pilot aborted the takeoff, and the aircraft subsequently traveled into a wooded area off the end of the runway.

Evacuation and Fire

Following the off-runway excursion, the pilot and three passengers evacuated the aircraft. Shortly after, a small fire ignited in the engine area. Attempts to extinguish the fire with hand-held fire extinguishers were unsuccessful, and the fire ultimately destroyed the aircraft.

Engine Inspection

Post-accident inspection of the engine did not reveal any failures or malfunctions that would have prevented the aircraft from accelerating properly.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Apr 1989 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Laurel, MD?

A pilot reported that the airplane did not accelerate after becoming airborne during a short field takeoff. The takeoff was aborted and the aircraft traveled into a wooded area off the runway end. After the pilot and three passengers evacuated, a small engine fire started and destroyed the aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Apr 1989 Piper PA-28-181 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Apr 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N1789H, at Laurel, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED DURING THE ATTEMPTED SHORT FIELD TAKEOFF FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28048. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.