1999-03-27: Piper PA-32-300 — Marquette, MI

Casualties unknown • Marquette, MI, US

Probable cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in his failure to maintain directional control. Factors associated with the accident were the gusty crosswind conditions and the taxiway sign which the airplane contacted.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The takeoff was being conducted on runway 26 with local winds from 230 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The pilot reported the airplane veered off the left side of the runway during the takeoff roll, just prior to liftoff. He stated he reduced the throttle at which time he saw a taxiway sign in front of him so he advanced the throttle. He stated that the airplane cleared this sign, but contacted another sign. He stated he pulled the power back and the main landing gear caught in the snow spinning the airplane around.

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-03-27 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Marquette, MI?

The takeoff was being conducted on runway 26 with local winds from 230 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The pilot reported the airplane veered off the left side of the runway during the takeoff roll, just prior to liftoff. He stated he reduced the throttle at which time he saw a taxiway sign in front of him…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-03-27 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N66BH, at Marquette, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in his failure to maintain directional control. Factors associated with the accident were the gusty crosswind conditions and the taxiway sign which the airplane contacted.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00291. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…