Aircraft Excursion During Takeoff Roll

Casualties unknown • Delta, UT, US

An aerial application pilot experienced a long takeoff roll resulting in an aircraft excursion and landing gear separation at a high-density altitude airstrip.

What happened

During a takeoff roll, the pilot of an aerial application aircraft experienced an extended ground run. The pilot, who was in his first season as an aerial application pilot and performing his first takeoff from this specific airstrip, noted that the takeoff "seemed long."

At the time of the event, the aircraft was carrying 80 gallons of applicant and 30 gallons of fuel. In an attempt to stop the aircraft, the pilot reduced the throttle to idle and applied the brakes. However, the airplane traveled beyond the end of the runway and struck an earthen berm. The impact caused the right main landing gear to separate from the fuselage, and resulted in a bent propeller blade and a bent right wing tip.

The pilot was not injured. Environmental conditions at the time included an elevation of 5,000 feet, a temperature of 70 degrees F., and an altimeter setting of 30.02 inches of mercury, resulting in a density altitude of 6,795 feet. While the aircraft's maximum gross weight was 2,900 pounds, its actual weight during the incident was undetermined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-07-12 Piper PA-25-235 accident near Delta, UT?

An aerial application pilot experienced a long takeoff roll resulting in an aircraft excursion and landing gear separation at a high-density altitude airstrip.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-07-12 involved a Piper PA-25-235, registration N7614Z, at Delta, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's delayed aborted takeoff. A factor was the high density altitude.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19244. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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