On November 7, 1996, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N32518) operated by Rocky Mountain Air was involved in an aviation accident near Bruneau, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not perform takeoff distance calculations prior to attempting the takeoff to ensure that the aircraft could successfully depart from the available surface. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot landed on a dirt road due to passenger needs then attempted takeoff without calculating distance, resulting in impact with a dirt bank at the road's end, causing landing gear damage.
Landing
The pilot chose to land on a short stretch of dirt road to accommodate the physiological needs of the passengers.
Takeoff Attempt
Prior to the takeoff, the pilot did not perform takeoff distance calculations to verify that the aircraft could safely depart from the available surface. During the attempted takeoff, the aircraft reached the end of the dirt road before achieving liftoff.
Impact and Damage
The aircraft subsequently impacted a dirt bank at the end of the road. The force of the impact folded the nose landing gear aft and tore the right main landing gear from the right wing.
Probable Cause
The pilot did not perform takeoff distance calculations prior to attempting the takeoff to ensure that the aircraft could successfully depart from the available surface.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 7 Nov 1996 Piper PA-28-151 accident near Bruneau, ID?
A pilot landed on a dirt road due to passenger needs then attempted takeoff without calculating distance, resulting in impact with a dirt bank at the road's end, causing landing gear damage.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Nov 1996 involved a Piper PA-28-151, registration N32518, operated by Rocky Mountain Air, at Bruneau, ID.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot did not perform takeoff distance calculations prior to attempting the takeoff to ensure that the aircraft could successfully depart from the available surface.
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