On August 24, 1993, a Piper PA-28-235 (registration N9148) was involved in an aviation accident near Enumclaw, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DELAYED REMEDIAL ACTION. FACTORS INCLUDE A WET, DOWNHILL, GRASS RUNWAY DURING THE ABORT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During an uphill takeoff on a private grass runway, a pilot aborted after a second lift-off attempt, touched down past the runway midpoint, and was unable to stop on the wet, down-sloping surface. The aircraft slid off the end, crossed a road, struck vegetation, and caught fire.
Incident Overview
A pilot conducting an uphill takeoff on a private grass/turf airstrip aborted the takeoff shortly after lifting off for the second time. The decision to abort was made because the pilot was uncertain whether the aircraft would clear trees located off the departure end of the runway.
Sequence of Events
After aborting, the aircraft touched down on the runway. However, the touchdown point was beyond the midpoint of the strip. Both ends of the runway are situated 12 to 16 feet lower than the midpoint, creating a significant downhill slope from the midpoint toward each end. With the aircraft having passed the midpoint, the pilot then attempted to stop on a wet, down-sloping grass surface.
Outcome
The aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway length. It slid off the end of the strip, crossed an adjacent road, and continued into vegetation. Upon impacting the vegetation, the aircraft caught fire.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 24 Aug 1993 Piper PA-28-235 accident near Enumclaw, WA?
During an uphill takeoff on a private grass runway, a pilot aborted after a second lift-off attempt, touched down past the runway midpoint, and was unable to stop on the wet, down-sloping surface. The aircraft slid off the end, crossed a road, struck vegetation, and caught fire.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Aug 1993 involved a Piper PA-28-235, registration N9148, at Enumclaw, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S DELAYED REMEDIAL ACTION. FACTORS INCLUDE A WET, DOWNHILL, GRASS RUNWAY DURING THE ABORT.