On June 3, 1989, a Piper PA-28 (registration N3952K) operated by Ferguson, Larry was involved in an aviation accident near Bolivar, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff in time, resulting in a runway overrun into trees, due to inadequate acceleration caused by tall grass and field conditions. 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.
A pilot attempted a soft-field takeoff but could not achieve flying speed due to tall grass and field conditions, resulting in a runway overrun into trees.
What happened
The pilot initiated a soft or short-field takeoff procedure. During the ground roll, the aircraft failed to accelerate as expected. The pilot attributed this lack of acceleration to the presence of tall grass and adverse field conditions on the runway surface.
Recognizing that the aircraft would not reach the necessary flying speed within the remaining runway distance, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. An attempt was made to bring the aircraft to a halt before it reached the trees located near the end of the runway. However, the pilot was unable to stop the aircraft in time, and it impacted the trees.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the aborted takeoff and the subsequent impact. Examination of the site and the aircraft confirmed that the plane struck trees at the end of the runway after failing to become airborne.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff in time, resulting in a runway overrun into trees, due to inadequate acceleration caused by tall grass and field conditions.
What happened in the 3 Jun 1989 Piper PA-28 accident near Bolivar, MO?
A pilot attempted a soft-field takeoff but could not achieve flying speed due to tall grass and field conditions, resulting in a runway overrun into trees.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Jun 1989 involved a Piper PA-28, registration N3952K, operated by Ferguson, Larry, at Bolivar, MO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff in time, resulting in a runway overrun into trees, due to inadequate acceleration caused by tall grass and field conditions.
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