On August 5, 1999, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N4337X) was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Geneva, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the aborted takeoff not performed by the safety-pilot and airspeed not obtained/maintained by the safety-pilot. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a simulated zero-visibility takeoff, the airplane departed the left side of the runway, struck trees, stalled, and spun into the ground. The aircraft was loaded beyond its weight and balance limits.
Event Description
The pilot-in-command was conducting a simulated zero-visibility takeoff with the aid of visibility-reducing goggles and a predetermined safety-pilot. As the airplane began its takeoff roll, it veered to the left side of the runway. The pilot-in-command then relinquished control to the safety-pilot. The safety-pilot continued the takeoff while the airplane remained off the left side of the runway. During the initial climb, the airplane struck the top of a tree line. After colliding with the trees, the airplane stalled and entered a spin, then impacted the ground.
Aircraft and Engine Examination
An examination of the airplane and its engine found no mechanical anomalies.
Weight and Balance
The reported useful load for the airplane was 935.34 pounds. The actual aircraft load at the time of the accident was calculated to be approximately 992 pounds. This load was outside the weight and balance envelope specified in the aircraft's operating manual.
What happened in the 5 Aug 1999 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Lake Geneva, WI?
During a simulated zero-visibility takeoff, the airplane departed the left side of the runway, struck trees, stalled, and spun into the ground. The aircraft was loaded beyond its weight and balance limits.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Aug 1999 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N4337X, at Lake Geneva, WI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the aborted takeoff not performed by the safety-pilot and airspeed not obtained/maintained by the safety-pilot. Factors to the accident were directional control and runway alignment not maintained by the pilot-in-command, the inadequate supervision of the safety-pilot, the tree line, altitude/clearance not…
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