1990-04-08: Piper PA-22-150 — Larry Saunders/thomas Hall — Lovingston, VA

Casualties unknown • Lovingston, VA, US

Probable cause

PILOT FAILURE TO CLIMB OUT OF GROUND EFFECT BECAUSE OF INADEQUATE AIRSPEED. FACTOR WAS UNFAVORABLE WIND AT TAKEOFF.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PLT REPORTED THAT BEFORE TAKEOFF THE WIND WAS CALM. HOWEVER, DURING THE TAKEOFF THERE WAS A SUDDEN TAILWIND. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, HE LIFTED OFF AT 65 MPH, BUT WAS UNABLE TO CLIMB AND THE ACFT SETTLED BACK DOWN ON THE RWY. THE ACFT OVERRAN THE 1800 FT LONG-GRASS RUNWAY AND WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. THE PLT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-04-08 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Lovingston, VA?

THE PLT REPORTED THAT BEFORE TAKEOFF THE WIND WAS CALM. HOWEVER, DURING THE TAKEOFF THERE WAS A SUDDEN TAILWIND. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, HE LIFTED OFF AT 65 MPH, BUT WAS UNABLE TO CLIMB AND THE ACFT SETTLED BACK DOWN ON THE RWY. THE ACFT OVERRAN THE 1800 FT LONG-GRASS RUNWAY AND WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. THE PLT…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-04-08 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N8874D, operated by Larry Saunders/thomas Hall, at Lovingston, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

PILOT FAILURE TO CLIMB OUT OF GROUND EFFECT BECAUSE OF INADEQUATE AIRSPEED. FACTOR WAS UNFAVORABLE WIND AT TAKEOFF.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22864. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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