1997-05-27: Piper PA-32-300 — Tinian, CQ

Casualties unknown • Tinian, CQ

Probable cause

the pilot's improper takeoff abort. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper preflight planning and preparation.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that the takeoff was normal. As he attempted to adjust the pitch attitude during climb out of ground effect, the control yoke locked in position and could not be moved fore or aft. He aborted the takeoff and porpoised the remaining 1,500 feet down the runway collapsing the nose landing gear. A postaccident examination by two FAA inspectors failed to find any type of control interference. The inspectors reported that the company station manager said the pilot had initially reported 'odd vibrations' just before the abort.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-05-27 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Tinian, CQ?

The pilot reported that the takeoff was normal. As he attempted to adjust the pitch attitude during climb out of ground effect, the control yoke locked in position and could not be moved fore or aft. He aborted the takeoff and porpoised the remaining 1,500 feet down the runway collapsing the nose landing gear. A…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-05-27 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N4510X, at Tinian, CQ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper takeoff abort. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's improper preflight planning and preparation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07962. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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