On November 19, 1994, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N1470T) was involved in an aviation accident near Freeport, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF IN AN OVERWEIGHT AIRPLANE, HIS FAILURE TO FOLLOW APPROVED SHORT FIELD TAKEOFF PROCEDURES, NOT ATTAINING A POSITIVE RATE OF CLIMB, AND ATTEMPTING AN OPERATION BEYOND HIS EXPERIENCE LEVEL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot on a solo cross-country flight deviated from the flight plan, landed at McVille, and boarded two passengers. During takeoff on a 2,250-ft turf runway, the aircraft lifted off briefly, settled back, overran the runway, struck a fence, and hit trees. The aircraft was 59 lbs over max gross weight and flaps were set at 10 degrees instead of the recommended 25 degrees for short-field takeoff.
Flight Details
A student pilot, endorsed for a solo cross-country flight, deviated from the planned route and instead flew to McVille Airport. After landing, the pilot boarded two passengers.
Takeoff and Accident Sequence
The takeoff was attempted from a 2,250-foot-long turf runway. The aircraft became airborne but only for a brief period before settling back onto the runway. It continued past the runway end, struck a fence, descended down a hill, and impacted the tops of trees.
Weight and Configuration
The aircraft's weight was 59 pounds above the maximum takeoff gross weight. The pilot had selected 10 degrees of flaps for takeoff. The flight manual recommended setting 25 degrees of flaps for a short-field takeoff.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 Nov 1994 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Freeport, PA?
A student pilot on a solo cross-country flight deviated from the flight plan, landed at McVille, and boarded two passengers. During takeoff on a 2,250-ft turf runway, the aircraft lifted off briefly, settled back, overran the runway, struck a fence, and hit trees. The aircraft was 59 lbs over max gross weight and…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Nov 1994 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N1470T, at Freeport, PA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF IN AN OVERWEIGHT AIRPLANE, HIS FAILURE TO FOLLOW APPROVED SHORT FIELD TAKEOFF PROCEDURES, NOT ATTAINING A POSITIVE RATE OF CLIMB, AND ATTEMPTING AN OPERATION BEYOND HIS EXPERIENCE LEVEL.