Aircraft wing separation following takeoff accident

Casualties unknown • Apple Valley, CA, US

A pilot experienced an abnormal acceleration during takeoff, leading to a runway excursion and subsequent wing separation after striking a tree.

What happened

The pilot was in the process of picking up two other pilots who had ferried an aircraft to a paint shop. The aircraft (type not specified) had been towed to the departure end of the runway, where all necessary takeoff checks were completed.

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft failed to accelerate normally. The pilot attributed this lack of acceleration to either the condition of the sand and dirt runway or turbocharger lag. While attempting to maintain directional alignment using the rudder, the pilot noted that his heels were not on the floor, which likely resulted in the inadvertent application of brake pressure.

As the aircraft proceeded down the runway, it passed over a depression in the surface and became airborne momentarily. Upon settling back onto the runway, the aircraft bounced over a fence and struck a tree. The impact caused the right wing to separate at the wing root. Following the collision, the aircraft traveled an additional 50 feet before coming to a complete stop. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical discrepancies with the aircraft prior to the event. There were no injuries reported.

Probable cause

The pilot inadvertently maintained brake pressure while using the rudder for directional control, leading to an abnormal takeoff roll and subsequent runway excursion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-10-12 Piper PA-32R-301T accident near Apple Valley, CA?

A pilot experienced an abnormal acceleration during takeoff, leading to a runway excursion and subsequent wing separation after striking a tree.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-10-12 involved a Piper PA-32R-301T, registration N4316L, at Apple Valley, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot inadvertently maintained brake pressure while using the rudder for directional control, leading to an abnormal takeoff roll and subsequent runway excursion.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11291. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…