On October 9, 1995, a Piper PA-28-236 (registration N9090X) was involved in an aviation accident near Thorp, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff and the premature liftoff which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors relating to this accident are improper planning and decision by the pilot, and the tall, wet grass. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff on a wet grass strip with significant upslope, the pilot noted insufficient airspeed, pulled the nosewheel off the ground, bounced into the air, then the airplane rolled left and the left wing struck the ground.
Accident Details
The accident occurred during the takeoff roll of a Piper PA-28-236. The pilot noted that the airplane was not generating enough airspeed to fly. Before reaching the end of the runway, the pilot pulled the nosewheel of the airplane off the ground and bounced into the air. He leveled the nose when the airplane was approximately 10 to 15 feet above the ground, but the airplane immediately rolled left and the left wing struck the ground.
Runway Conditions
The airfield was described as a grass strip with a significant upslope. The grass was approximately a foot high and wet. The Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) provides no guidance for takeoff on wet or unprepared surfaces.
Performance Data
The PA-28-236 takeoff ground roll chart for a dry, paved runway, using the conditions existing at the time of the accident, indicates a takeoff ground roll of 1000 feet.
What happened in the 9 Oct 1995 Piper PA-28-236 accident near Thorp, WI?
During takeoff on a wet grass strip with significant upslope, the pilot noted insufficient airspeed, pulled the nosewheel off the ground, bounced into the air, then the airplane rolled left and the left wing struck the ground.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Oct 1995 involved a Piper PA-28-236, registration N9090X, at Thorp, WI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff and the premature liftoff which resulted in an inadvertent stall. Factors relating to this accident are improper planning and decision by the pilot, and the tall, wet grass.
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