On November 25, 1989, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N5511J) was involved in an aviation accident near Eek, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION AND HIS FAILURE TO ASSURE THE REMOVAL OF ICE OR FROST FROM THE WINGS. THE EXCESS GROSS WEIGHT AND UNEVEN TERRAIN WERE CONSIDERED TO BE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff from a 1300-foot gravel runway cleared of snow, the pilot reported initially good acceleration that then held. The aircraft lifted off, settled, and touched down 45 yards beyond the runway, contacting uneven terrain, collapsing the right main landing gear, and sliding onto a frozen lake, sustaining propeller and wing damage. Post-accident examination found minimum icing on the wings and no preimpact mechanical failure.
Event Summary
A pilot was taking off from a 1,300-foot gravel runway that had been cleared of snow. The pilot reported that the aircraft had very good acceleration at the start of the takeoff roll, but that the acceleration then seemed to hold rather than continue to increase. Evidence indicated that the aircraft lifted off, then settled and touched down about 45 yards beyond the end of the runway. The aircraft contacted uneven terrain, which failed the right main landing gear. The aircraft then slid to a stop on a frozen lake, sustaining damage to the propeller and wings.
Post-accident Examination
Approximately 30 minutes after the accident, an examination of the aircraft revealed what was described as 'minimum icing' on the wings. The post-accident examination found no preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure of the aircraft.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 25 Nov 1989 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Eek, AK?
During takeoff from a 1300-foot gravel runway cleared of snow, the pilot reported initially good acceleration that then held. The aircraft lifted off, settled, and touched down 45 yards beyond the runway, contacting uneven terrain, collapsing the right main landing gear, and sliding onto a frozen lake, sustaining…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Nov 1989 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N5511J, at Eek, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION AND HIS FAILURE TO ASSURE THE REMOVAL OF ICE OR FROST FROM THE WINGS. THE EXCESS GROSS WEIGHT AND UNEVEN TERRAIN WERE CONSIDERED TO BE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.