Aircraft damage following fence strike during pasture takeoff

Casualties unknown • Balko, OK, US

An aircraft sustained damage to its right aileron and left landing gear after striking a barbed wire fence during an initial climb from a pasture.

What happened

During the initial takeoff climb from a pasture, the aircraft's main landing gear struck and severed the top wire of a barbed wire fence. The impact caused the wire to flip upward, which bent the inboard section of the right aileron downward.

Following this mechanical interference, the pilot was unable to prevent the airplane from turning left. To avoid further uncontrolled flight, the pilot made the decision to land immediately by forcing the airplane down. The aircraft impacted the ground on its left wing tip and left main gear.

The pilot had previously inspected the takeoff area and established a specific point at which the takeoff would be aborted if the aircraft was not airborne. While the aircraft lifted off at that predetermined point, it failed to climb out of ground effect. The pilot noted that environmental conditions included gusty winds and high temperatures of 93 degrees F, resulting in a density altitude of 5,700 feet. The pilot suggested that departing later in cooler temperatures or reducing weight by leaving a passenger behind might have prevented the accident.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a barbed wire fence during takeoff, causing damage to the right aileron that resulted in an uncommanded left turn and subsequent forced landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-05-31 Piper PA-22 accident near Balko, OK?

An aircraft sustained damage to its right aileron and left landing gear after striking a barbed wire fence during an initial climb from a pasture.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-05-31 involved a Piper PA-22, registration N200HA, at Balko, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a barbed wire fence during takeoff, causing damage to the right aileron that resulted in an uncommanded left turn and subsequent forced landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10096. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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