Casualties unknown

1989-07-14: Piper PA-34-200T (N6144H) — Alpine Aviation — Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City, UT, US

On July 14, 1989, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N6144H) operated by Alpine Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Salt Lake City, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER USE OF THE PARKING BRAKE AND HIS DELAY IN ABORTING THE TAKEOFF. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE FENCE & VEHICLE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff roll, the aircraft accelerated to 65 knots but slowed and veered left upon rotation. The pilot aborted, regained directional control, but brakes were ineffective, causing the aircraft to exit the runway and strike a fence and parked vehicle. Brake examination revealed heat damage from suspected partial parking brake engagement.

Sequence of Events

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, the aircraft accelerated to approximately 65 knots. However, as the pilot rotated the plane for takeoff, it began to slow and veer to the left. The pilot reduced power to abort the takeoff and regained directional control, but the brakes were ineffective in stopping the aircraft. Subsequently, the aircraft continued off the end of the runway, then struck a fence and a parked vehicle.

Pilot's Observations

The pilot believed that when he released the parking brake, it did not fully disengage. He then suspected that heat built up as the brakes were dragging during the takeoff roll.

Brake Examination

An examination of the brakes confirmed that heat damage had occurred, consistent with the pilot's belief that the parking brake may have been partially engaged.

Conclusion

The incident sequence and the subsequent brake examination support the pilot's account of the events.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28809. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.