Casualties unknown

1994-09-09: Piper PA-38-112 (N4286E) — Westwind Aviation — West Branch, MI

West Branch, MI, US

On September 9, 1994, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N4286E) operated by Westwind Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near West Branch, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper preflight planning in estimating the takeoff distance. The tall, wet grass on the runway was a factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 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 an 1,800-foot wet grass runway at a private field when the airplane failed to become airborne. The aircraft departed the runway end and sustained substantial damage.

Incident Details

According to a report filed by the pilot, a takeoff was attempted on an 1,800-foot runway at a private field. The runway surface consisted of wet grass, with grass height measured at about six inches. The pilot stated that he had calculated the takeoff distance required on grass to be 880 feet, implying that the available runway length should have been sufficient. However, during the takeoff run, approximately three-quarters of the way down the runway, the pilot determined that the airplane was not going to become airborne. He subsequently aborted the takeoff, but the airplane continued beyond the end of the runway. The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result.

The report did not specify the aircraft type, registration, or any occupant details. No information regarding injuries was provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02203. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.