Casualties unknown

Corporate Airplane Strikes Obstacles and Embankment During Crosswind Takeoff (N1FY)

Sioux Center, IA, US

On October 14, 1991, a Piper PA-46-310P (registration N1FY) operated by Interstate Elect. & Eng. Co. was involved in an aviation accident near Sioux Center, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S NOT MAINTAINING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND NOT PERFORMING AN ABORTED TAKEOFF. WINDSHEAR WAS A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A high-performance single-engine corporate airplane, during pre-dawn takeoff with a 25 mph quartering crosswind, lifted off early, contacted the ground, struck runway obstacles, ran off the departure end, and collided with a tree and embankment before coming to rest in a field.

Introduction

A high-performance single-engine corporate airplane experienced a takeoff accident during pre-dawn conditions. The aircraft was operating with a left front quartering crosswind of approximately 25 miles per hour.

Sequence of Events

According to passenger statements, the airplane lifted off earlier than they were accustomed to during previous flights. After becoming airborne, the aircraft subsequently contacted the ground. It then departed the left side of the runway, where it struck a wind sock pole and a wind tee. The airplane was reestablished on the runway but continued beyond the departure end. After traveling approximately 1,000 feet from the departure end, the left wing struck a tree. This impact separated the wing from the fuselage at the wing root. The airplane then collided with a road embankment, went over it, and came to rest in a plowed field.

Outcome

The airplane sustained damage including separation of the left wing at the wing root. No information is provided regarding injuries, aircraft registration, operator, or specific location. The aircraft came to rest in a plowed field after the sequence of ground contacts and collisions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Oct 1991 Piper PA-46-310P accident near Sioux Center, IA?

A high-performance single-engine corporate airplane, during pre-dawn takeoff with a 25 mph quartering crosswind, lifted off early, contacted the ground, struck runway obstacles, ran off the departure end, and collided with a tree and embankment before coming to rest in a field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Oct 1991 involved a Piper PA-46-310P, registration N1FY, operated by Interstate Elect. & Eng. Co., at Sioux Center, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S NOT MAINTAINING DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND NOT PERFORMING AN ABORTED TAKEOFF. WINDSHEAR WAS A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18267. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.