Casualties unknown

1991-10-27: Gulfstream American AA5A (N74279) — Mccandless, Jeffrey D — Burnsville, NC

Burnsville, NC, US

On October 27, 1991, a Gulfstream American AA5A (registration N74279) operated by Mccandless, Jeffrey D was involved in an aviation accident near Burnsville, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND THE SELECTION OF TAKEOFF RUNWAY WITH AN UPSLOPE FOR TAKEOFF. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE WITH THE GEOGRAPHICAL AREA AND THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot rejected a takeoff on a downslope runway at a mountainous airport; the aircraft skidded down a hillside. The pilot lacked experience with high-altitude operations, and density altitude was estimated at 5,250 feet.

Incident Overview

A pilot rejected a takeoff from a runway that rose 40 feet from the initial takeoff roll, causing the aircraft to skid down a hillside. The decision to abort the takeoff was made approximately 900 feet from the end of the runway.

Environmental Conditions

Winds were reported as calm at the time of the incident. The downslope runway was recommended for normal takeoffs at the mountainous airport. The density altitude was estimated at 5,250 feet.

Pilot Background

The pilot was not experienced with flight operations at altitudes higher than sea level.

Sequence of Events

The takeoff began on a runway that increased in elevation by 40 feet from the starting point. About 900 feet before the runway end, the pilot elected to abort the takeoff. Subsequently, the airplane skidded down a hillside.

Additional Details

No further information regarding the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, or damage was provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18248. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.