On September 30, 1989, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration N7844D) was involved in an aviation accident near St. Charles, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A POSITIVE RATE OF CLIMB DURING A NIGHT TAKEOFF. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR(S) WAS: AN OUT-OF-C.G AIRPLANE, TAKEOFF WITH ONLY ONE MAGNETO OPERATING; AND THE LIMITED VISION OF THE PILOT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A night takeoff with a vehicle's headlights shining from the runway end preceded an abnormally long takeoff roll, after which the airplane turned and settled into trees. Estimated forward CG limit was exceeded. Pilot had monocular vision and prior one-magneto flights. Mag switch found on right.
Incident Overview
The incident took place during a night takeoff. A vehicle was positioned at the departure end of the runway, and its headlights were shining toward the aircraft during the takeoff roll. The airplane was observed to take an abnormally long roll before becoming airborne. After lifting off, the airplane turned and settled into trees.
Weight and Balance Assessment
An estimation indicated that the airplane's forward center of gravity (CG) limit was exceeded. This calculation was based on the weights of the pilot and the front seat passenger.
Pilot Details
The pilot had no useful vision in one eye. Additionally, the pilot had previously flown the airplane on a single magneto on more than one occasion.
Post-Event Examination
The magneto switch was found in the right magneto position.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 30 Sept 1989 Piper PA-22-150 accident near St. Charles, MN?
A night takeoff with a vehicle's headlights shining from the runway end preceded an abnormally long takeoff roll, after which the airplane turned and settled into trees. Estimated forward CG limit was exceeded. Pilot had monocular vision and prior one-magneto flights. Mag switch found on right.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Sept 1989 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N7844D, at St. Charles, MN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A POSITIVE RATE OF CLIMB DURING A NIGHT TAKEOFF. CONTRIBUTING FACTOR(S) WAS: AN OUT-OF-C.G AIRPLANE, TAKEOFF WITH ONLY ONE MAGNETO OPERATING; AND THE LIMITED VISION OF THE PILOT.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…