Aircraft Excursion During Maintenance Test Flight

Casualties unknown • Vicksburg, MI, US

A maintenance test flight resulted in an aircraft excursion after the plane encountered runway irregularities, causing the left wing to strike the ground.

What happened

During a scheduled maintenance test flight, the pilot initiated a takeoff roll on the runway. Approximately 800 feet from the approach end of the runway, the pilot reported that the aircraft traveled over a large hump in the runway surface, causing the plane to veer to the left and prompting an aborted takeoff.

A passenger on board, tasked with monitoring flight instruments, noted that the aircraft entered a significant dip in the runway at approximately 1,200 feet from the approach end. As the aircraft progressed, it became airborne at a speed near stall speed. During this phase, the left wing made contact with the ground. Following the impact, the aircraft departed the left side of the runway at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The aircraft traveled roughly 1,000 feet beyond the runway before striking a row of small trees and coming to a final rest. There were no injuries reported following the event.

Probable cause

The aircraft encountered significant irregularities in the runway surface, including a large hump and a deep dip, which led to an aborted takeoff and subsequent wing strike during the takeoff roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-12-02 Piper PA-46-350P accident near Vicksburg, MI?

A maintenance test flight resulted in an aircraft excursion after the plane encountered runway irregularities, causing the left wing to strike the ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-12-02 involved a Piper PA-46-350P, registration N6295Z, operated by Hov-aire, Inc., at Vicksburg, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft encountered significant irregularities in the runway surface, including a large hump and a deep dip, which led to an aborted takeoff and subsequent wing strike during the takeoff roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09269. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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