Casualties unknown

1993-07-22: Piper PA-46 (N888CD) — Sutton Holdings, Inc. — Vero Beach, FL

Vero Beach, FL, US

On July 22, 1993, a Piper PA-46 (registration N888CD) operated by Sutton Holdings, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Vero Beach, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, AND HIS DELAY IN ABORTING THE TAKEOFF. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE TAILWIND, WET RUNWAY, AND SOFT TERRAIN BEYOND THE END OF THE RUNWAY. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot aborted a takeoff on the shortest runway after noticing insufficient airspeed buildup; the aircraft skidded off the wet runway into wet sand, collapsing the landing gear.

Synopsis

A pilot reported that while holding for takeoff on Runway 22, he observed good weather to the east and decided to take off with a tailwind on Runway 11, described as the shortest runway. During the takeoff roll, the pilot noted that airspeed was not building rapidly enough and elected to abort the takeoff. He was unable to stop on the remaining runway, which was wet. The airplane skidded into wet sand off the end of the runway, and the landing gear collapsed.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot's report, he initially held for takeoff on Runway 22 while waiting for weather to clear west of the airport. Noticing favorable weather to the east, he chose to depart from Runway 11 with a tailwind. During the takeoff roll, the pilot recognized that airspeed was not increasing at the expected rate and decided to abort. The remaining runway distance was insufficient to bring the aircraft to a stop under the existing conditions. After departing the runway surface, the airplane entered wet sand and the landing gear collapsed.

Aircraft and Engine Condition

No pre-accident malfunction or failure of the aircraft or engine was evident. The pilot did not report any abnormalities with the aircraft systems prior to the abort decision.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12988. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.