Aircraft excursion during aborted takeoff

Casualties unknown • Concord, NC, US

A pilot attempted to abort a takeoff after realizing obstacles prevented a safe climb, resulting in the aircraft exiting the runway and entering a ditch.

What happened

During the takeoff roll, the pilot determined that the aircraft would be unable to clear trees located at the departure end of the runway. In response, the pilot aborted the takeoff.

The pilot was unable to bring the aircraft to a complete stop within the remaining runway distance. The aircraft subsequently exited the runway, traveling through high weeds and contacting a ditch that had been obscured from view from the runway surface.

The departure end of the runway consisted of dirt and was bare of grass due to frequent landings. The pilot noted that he was accustomed to performing takeoffs in the opposite direction, where obstructions at the departure end were not as tall. At the time of the incident, the aircraft was approximately 65 pounds under its maximum gross weight, and no mechanical difficulties were reported.

Probable cause

The pilot aborted the takeoff due to obstacle clearance concerns but failed to stop the aircraft within the remaining runway distance, leading to an excursion into a ditch.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-07-27 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Concord, NC?

A pilot attempted to abort a takeoff after realizing obstacles prevented a safe climb, resulting in the aircraft exiting the runway and entering a ditch.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-07-27 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N5278P, at Concord, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot aborted the takeoff due to obstacle clearance concerns but failed to stop the aircraft within the remaining runway distance, leading to an excursion into a ditch.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23602. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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