Casualties unknown

Takeoff Aborted After Pilot Uncertain of Tree Clearance; Aircraft Overruns Runway (N3490W)

Spencer, MA, US

On June 28, 1993, a Piper PA-32 (registration N3490W) operated by Thomas Worthington was involved in an aviation accident near Spencer, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING FOR THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE DEPARTURE AND THE DELAY IN ABORTING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, WITH INSUFFICIENT RUNWAY REMAINING, RESULTING IN A COLLISION WITH TREES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 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 pilot aborted takeoff after becoming uncertain the aircraft would clear trees at the end of a 1,930-ft runway. The airplane overran the departure end and impacted trees. The airport elevation was 1,040 ft MSL with 90°F temperature.

Incident Overview

A pilot was conducting a return cross-country flight with three passengers, baggage, and full fuel. During the takeoff roll on a 1,930-foot runway, just beyond the halfway point, the pilot became unsure that the airplane would clear trees at the departure end. Approximately three-quarters of the way down the runway, the pilot reduced power and aborted the takeoff. The airplane overran the departure end of the runway and impacted trees.

Environmental Conditions

The airport elevation was 1,040 feet above mean sea level. The outside air temperature was approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Performance Consideration

According to the Pilot Operating Handbook, the distance required for a takeoff to clear a 50-foot obstacle was approximately 1,900 feet under the existing conditions.

Consequences

The airplane sustained damage from impacting trees. No further details on injuries or the extent of damage were provided in the source.

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jun 1993 Piper PA-32 accident near Spencer, MA?

A pilot aborted takeoff after becoming uncertain the aircraft would clear trees at the end of a 1,930-ft runway. The airplane overran the departure end and impacted trees. The airport elevation was 1,040 ft MSL with 90°F temperature.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jun 1993 involved a Piper PA-32, registration N3490W, operated by Thomas Worthington, at Spencer, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING FOR THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE DEPARTURE AND THE DELAY IN ABORTING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, WITH INSUFFICIENT RUNWAY REMAINING, RESULTING IN A COLLISION WITH TREES

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12711. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.