On October 16, 1996, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N16413) operated by Joseph E. Lutz was involved in an aviation accident near Olive Branch, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The farmer's failure to maintain security of his livestock/animals. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff at 60 mph with landing lights on, a pilot noticed a large black bull on the runway. During an avoidance attempt, the aircraft's right wing struck the bull. The bull reportedly came from an adjacent pasture, and there had been previous livestock incidents at the airport.
Event Details
A pilot reported an incident during takeoff. The takeoff roll had commenced normally, and the aircraft accelerated down the runway. When the airspeed reached 60 mph, with the landing lights turned on, the pilot noticed a large black bull walking along the center of the runway. Realizing the potential for a collision, the pilot attempted to steer the aircraft away from the animal. Despite these efforts, the right wing of the aircraft struck the bull during the avoidance maneuver. The pilot subsequently reported the occurrence.
Background
According to the pilot's report, the bull came from a pasture that is adjacent to the airport. The source indicates that this was not an isolated event; there had been several previous instances of domestic livestock entering the airport property from the same pasture in the past. The recurring nature of these incursions was noted in the report.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 Oct 1996 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Olive Branch, MS?
During takeoff at 60 mph with landing lights on, a pilot noticed a large black bull on the runway. During an avoidance attempt, the aircraft's right wing struck the bull. The bull reportedly came from an adjacent pasture, and there had been previous livestock incidents at the airport.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Oct 1996 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N16413, operated by Joseph E. Lutz, at Olive Branch, MS.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The farmer's failure to maintain security of his livestock/animals.
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