On July 27, 1990, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N5278P) was involved in an aviation accident near Concord, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION, IN THAT HE DID NOT FULLY CONSIDER THE EFFECTS OF HIGH OBSTRUCTIONS AND A POOR RUNWAY SURFACE CONDITION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot aborted takeoff due to trees at departure end, but could not stop before the airplane entered high weeds and struck a ditch. The pilot was accustomed to taking off in the opposite direction.
Event Description
During the takeoff roll, the pilot determined that the airplane could not climb above trees located off the departure end of the runway. He aborted the takeoff but was unable to bring the airplane to a stop within the remaining runway distance. The airplane subsequently entered high weeds and contacted a ditch that was not visible from the runway surface.
Runway Conditions
The departure end of the runway was dirt and bare of grass due to frequent landings. The pilot reported that he was accustomed to making takeoffs in the opposite direction, where the departure end obstructions were not as high.
Aircraft Loading and Mechanical Status
The pilot reported that the airplane was approximately 65 pounds under maximum gross weight at the time of takeoff. He also reported no mechanical difficulties with the airplane.
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