On October 12, 1998, a Piper PA-32R-301T (registration N4316L) was involved in an aviation accident near Apple Valley, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent use of the aircraft's brakes while using the rudder pedals to maintain directional alignment during the takeoff roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot ferrying an aircraft from a paint shop experienced failed acceleration on a sand/dirt runway. The aircraft became airborne briefly over a depression, then settled, bounced over a fence, struck a tree, and the right wing separated. The pilot attributed the issue to possible inadvertent brake pressure.
Accident Details
A pilot was picking up two pilots who had ferried an aircraft to a paint shop. The aircraft was towed to the departure end of the runway, and takeoff checks were completed. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft failed to accelerate normally. The pilot attributed this to either the sand and dirt runway surface or turbocharger lag. He stated that he did not place his heels on the floor and must have inadvertently maintained some brake pressure while using the rudder to maintain directional alignment.
As the aircraft passed over a depression in the runway, it became airborne momentarily. It then settled back onto the runway and bounced over a fence. The aircraft contacted a tree, and the right wing separated at the wing root. The aircraft traveled another 50 feet before coming to rest.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical discrepancies with the aircraft.