Single Engine Corporate Airplane Excursion and Tree Strike

Casualties unknown • Sioux Center, IA, US

A high-performance single-engine corporate airplane departed the runway during takeoff, striking several objects before coming to rest in a plowed field.

What happened

During a pre-dawn takeoff roll, a high performance single engine corporate airplane encountered a left front, quartering crosswind of approximately 25 mph. Passengers on board noted that the aircraft lifted off earlier than usual.

Immediately after liftoff, the aircraft made contact with the ground and veered toward the left side of the runway. During the excursion, the plane struck a wind sock pole and a wind tee. Although the pilot was able to reestablish the aircraft on the runway, the airplane subsequently ran off the departure end.

After traveling roughly 1000 feet beyond the end of the runway, the left wing of the aircraft struck a tree, which caused the wing to separate from the fuselage at the wing root. Following this impact, the airplane collided with a road embankment and went over it, eventually coming to rest in a plowed field. All occupants were not injured.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-10-14 Piper PA-46-310P accident near Sioux Center, IA?

A high-performance single-engine corporate airplane departed the runway during takeoff, striking several objects before coming to rest in a plowed field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-10-14 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.

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