On July 1, 1994, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N24201) was involved in an aviation accident near Mccall, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Insufficient aircraft performance for the airstrip and existing conditions, resulting in an inability to lift off and maintain adequate flying speed after the pilot elected to use a runway that was too short despite warnings. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted takeoff from a high-elevation mountain airstrip despite warnings about runway length, resulting in an inability to achieve adequate airspeed and lift.
What happened
The pilot elected to attempt both takeoff and landing operations at a remote mountain airstrip. This decision was made after the pilot had been explicitly cautioned against using this specific strip, with advice given to utilize alternative runways that were significantly longer than the facility at the accident site.
During the takeoff roll, the aircraft failed to achieve sufficient lift. The plane was unable to maintain adequate flying speed necessary for safe flight. The failure was attributed directly to insufficient performance capabilities of the aircraft relative to the demanding conditions of the mountain airstrip and the existing environmental factors.
Probable cause
Insufficient aircraft performance for the airstrip and existing conditions, resulting in an inability to lift off and maintain adequate flying speed after the pilot elected to use a runway that was too short despite warnings.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 1 Jul 1994 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Mccall, ID?
A pilot attempted takeoff from a high-elevation mountain airstrip despite warnings about runway length, resulting in an inability to achieve adequate airspeed and lift.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Jul 1994 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N24201, at Mccall, ID.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Insufficient aircraft performance for the airstrip and existing conditions, resulting in an inability to lift off and maintain adequate flying speed after the pilot elected to use a runway that was too short despite warnings.
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