On November 5, 1989, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N536SF) operated by Grand Prairie Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Marietta, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S USE OF THE WRONG RUNWAY FOR TAKEOFF. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE TAILWIND AND RISING TERRAIN BEYOND THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft took off with a tailwind from a 2450-foot sod strip, began to settle, and contacted rising terrain 150 feet beyond the runway. It rolled 500 feet into a barbed wire fence and trees. The pilot reduced power and applied brakes upon realizing impact was imminent.
Accident Summary
The pilot and three passengers departed from a 2450-foot sod airstrip with a tailwind. After takeoff, the aircraft began to settle and subsequently contacted rising terrain about 150 feet beyond the departure end of the runway. The impact point was 30 to 40 feet above the runway elevation. The aircraft then rolled approximately 500 feet and struck a barbed wire fence and trees.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported he was aware that the aircraft was going to contact the terrain; therefore, he reduced power and applied brakes.
Environmental Conditions
The airstrip was a 2450-foot sod strip. The wind at the time was estimated by personnel at the airstrip as southerly at about 15 knots. For reference, about 150 miles north at Oklahoma City, the wind was reported from 170 degrees at 17 knots.
What happened in the 5 Nov 1989 Piper PA-28-151 accident near Marietta, OK?
An aircraft took off with a tailwind from a 2450-foot sod strip, began to settle, and contacted rising terrain 150 feet beyond the runway. It rolled 500 feet into a barbed wire fence and trees. The pilot reduced power and applied brakes upon realizing impact was imminent.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Nov 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-151, registration N536SF, operated by Grand Prairie Aviation, at Marietta, OK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S USE OF THE WRONG RUNWAY FOR TAKEOFF. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE TAILWIND AND RISING TERRAIN BEYOND THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY.
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