Casualties unknown

Pilot Aborts Takeoff After Precautionary Landing, Collides with Trees (N83453)

Bainbridge, GA, US

On June 5, 1992, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N83453) operated by Bay Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Bainbridge, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S MISJUDGED DISTANCE OF RUNWAY REMAINING, RESULTING IN A DELAYED DECISION TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF, AND SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH TREES. FACTORS WERE THE HIGH OBSTRUCTIONS (TREES) AT THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A commercial pilot made a precautionary landing at a closed airport due to an oil pressure indication, then aborted a short-field takeoff when the aircraft would not rotate, colliding with trees. No mechanical malfunction was found.

Incident Overview

A commercial pilot experienced a precautionary landing at a closed airport after detecting a loss of engine oil pressure. Following the landing, an inspection found no evidence of oil loss, and a ground engine run showed normal oil pressure indications. The pilot concluded that the oil pressure indicating system was faulty and decided to continue the flight to the destination.

Takeoff Attempt

For departure, the pilot performed a short-field takeoff due to the short runway length and the presence of obstructions (trees) at the departure end. During the takeoff roll, at takeoff speed, the aircraft would not rotate. The pilot elected to abort the takeoff but could not stop the aircraft within the remaining runway distance. The aircraft subsequently collided with the trees.

Investigation Findings

No evidence of a mechanical malfunction or failure was found during the investigation. The pilot reported that there was no loss of engine power during the takeoff roll.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jun 1992 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Bainbridge, GA?

A commercial pilot made a precautionary landing at a closed airport due to an oil pressure indication, then aborted a short-field takeoff when the aircraft would not rotate, colliding with trees. No mechanical malfunction was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jun 1992 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N83453, operated by Bay Aviation, at Bainbridge, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S MISJUDGED DISTANCE OF RUNWAY REMAINING, RESULTING IN A DELAYED DECISION TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF, AND SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH TREES. FACTORS WERE THE HIGH OBSTRUCTIONS (TREES) AT THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14767. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.