Casualties unknown

Aborted Takeoff Leads to Runway Excursion and Collision with Trees (N29241)

Melbourne, FL, US

On May 18, 1989, a Piper PA-28RT-201 (registration N29241) operated by Flight Safety Int'l, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Melbourne, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE INSTRUCTORS DECISION TO ATTEMPT A TAKEOFF IN A HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE SITUATION, WITH A QUARTERING TAILWIND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 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 a touch-and-go landing on a 4,000-ft runway, the CFI aborted the takeoff immediately after liftoff due to perceived lack of engine power. The aircraft ran off the runway end and struck trees. Post-accident investigation found no engine malfunction.

Incident Overview

A certified flight instructor (CFI) aborted a takeoff immediately after liftoff during an instructional flight. The aircraft subsequently ran off the end of the runway and collided with trees. The flight was part of a student pilot's touch-and-go landing maneuver, with three persons on board: the CFI, a student pilot, and an observer passenger.

Sequence of Events

The CFI reported that the takeoff occurred no more than halfway down the 4,000-foot runway. After liftoff, the CFI aborted the takeoff because he felt the aircraft was not developing full power. However, the CFI did not start braking until the aircraft was 500 to 600 feet from the departure end of the runway. The aircraft traveled through the clear zone of the overrun and entered wooded terrain at the end of Runway 32.

Environmental Conditions

The flight was using Runway 32, with wind from 080 degrees at 12 knots. The density altitude was approximately 1,400 feet.

Post-Accident Investigation

Post-accident investigation of the engine revealed no evidence of malfunction. The cause of the abort and subsequent runway excursion was not further specified.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28379. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.