1997-11-26: Piper PA-32-300 — Johnstown, PA

Casualties unknown • Johnstown, PA, US

Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain direction control of the airplane during the takeoff roll. Factors relating to this accident were: the crosswind condition, and snowbank.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll on runway 23, he felt what seemed like 'a hand shove the plane left.' The airplane departed the left side of the runway onto an intersecting taxiway. The airplane was returning to the runway when it impacted a snowbank which was located on the intersecting taxiway and extended 2 feet onto runway 23. The Airport Daily Inspection Report, listed the condition of the airport surface areas, and snowbanks as 'O.K.' A weather observation taken after the accident reported the wind from 260 degrees at 17 knots, gusting to 24 knots.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-11-26 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Johnstown, PA?

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll on runway 23, he felt what seemed like 'a hand shove the plane left.' The airplane departed the left side of the runway onto an intersecting taxiway. The airplane was returning to the runway when it impacted a snowbank which was located on the intersecting taxiway and…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-11-26 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N2202U, at Johnstown, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain direction control of the airplane during the takeoff roll. Factors relating to this accident were: the crosswind condition, and snowbank.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09240. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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