Aircraft overrun during takeoff following loss of acceleration

Casualties unknown • Egegik, AK, US

An aircraft failed to accelerate sufficiently during its takeoff roll on a snow-covered runway, resulting in an excursion off the end of the runway.

What happened

During the takeoff roll, the pilot noted that the runway surface felt hard but was covered with wet snow. While a passenger observed no visible snow accumulation on the aircraft's surface immediately prior to departure, the pilot reported that the initial portion of the takeoff run felt normal.

After passing the go/no-go decision point, the pilot realized the aircraft was not accelerating as expected. Despite this realization, the takeoff attempt continued. The aircraft was unable to achieve necessary acceleration or gain altitude, ultimately resulting in a crash off the end of the runway. No injuries were reported.

The investigation

During the takeoff sequence, the pilot did not monitor the engine instruments, though he noted that the engine sound remained normal throughout the event. A subsequent examination and an engine run-up were performed, both of which demonstrated normal operation of the powerplant.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to accelerate sufficiently during the takeoff roll, leading to an overrun at the end of the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-02-27 Piper PA-32-301 accident near Egegik, AK?

An aircraft failed to accelerate sufficiently during its takeoff roll on a snow-covered runway, resulting in an excursion off the end of the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-02-27 involved a Piper PA-32-301, registration N8257A, at Egegik, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft failed to accelerate sufficiently during the takeoff roll, leading to an overrun at the end of the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11772. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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