On July 22, 1995, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N41521) operated by California Pilot Shop was involved in an aviation accident near San Luis Obispo, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to extend the flaps for takeoff, which resulted in insufficient lift and a collision with a fence. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted a short-field takeoff from a pasture but failed to gain altitude before striking a chain-link fence, likely due to not extending flaps as required by the aircraft manual.
What happened
The pilot initiated an attempt at a short and soft field takeoff from a grassy pasture area. During the ground roll, the airplane failed to achieve lift-off before impacting a chain-link fence. The pilot did not extend the flaps prior to beginning the takeoff run.
The investigation
Review of the applicable Pilot Operating Handbook for the specific aircraft model indicated that flaps should be extended to 25 degrees for both obstacle clearance short field and soft field takeoffs. This configuration is standard procedure to maximize lift at lower speeds during critical phases of flight.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to extend the flaps for takeoff, which resulted in insufficient lift and a collision with a fence.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 22 Jul 1995 Piper PA-28-151 accident near San Luis Obispo, CA?
A pilot attempted a short-field takeoff from a pasture but failed to gain altitude before striking a chain-link fence, likely due to not extending flaps as required by the aircraft manual.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Jul 1995 involved a Piper PA-28-151, registration N41521, operated by California Pilot Shop, at San Luis Obispo, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to extend the flaps for takeoff, which resulted in insufficient lift and a collision with a fence.
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