1991-04-03: Piper PA-25-235D — Peter A. Cummings — Chesapeake, VA

Casualties unknown • Chesapeake, VA, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILUE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED AFTER THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHEN HE WAS CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF BY THE CONTROL TOWER. HE WAS TOLD THAT THE WIND WAS 320 DEGREES AT 20 KNOTS. HE STATED THAT DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, THE AIRCRAFT VEERED LEFT. HE TOOK CORRECTIVE ACTION BY APPLYING RIGHT AILERON AND RIGHT RUDDER, BUT HE WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE AIRCRAFT WENT OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY WHERE IT STRUCK A TAXIWAY SIGN. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF HE HAD MORE INSTRUCTION AND PRACTICE IN CROSSWIND AND GUST CONDITIONS.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-04-03 Piper PA-25-235D accident near Chesapeake, VA?

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHEN HE WAS CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF BY THE CONTROL TOWER. HE WAS TOLD THAT THE WIND WAS 320 DEGREES AT 20 KNOTS. HE STATED THAT DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, THE AIRCRAFT VEERED LEFT. HE TOOK CORRECTIVE ACTION BY APPLYING RIGHT AILERON AND RIGHT RUDDER, BUT HE WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE AIRCRAFT WENT OFF…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-04-03 involved a Piper PA-25-235D, registration N54917, operated by Peter A. Cummings, at Chesapeake, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILUE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED AFTER THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16734. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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