Casualties unknown

1999-09-19: Piper PA-38-112 (N469RA) — Ozark, AR

Ozark, AR, US

On September 19, 1999, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N469RA) was involved in an aviation accident near Ozark, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's delay in aborting the takeoff, which resulted in a runway overrun. A factor was the wet grass runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane overran a private grass airstrip after aborting a takeoff, striking a fence and trees. The pilot cited new, unmowed grass reducing traction; a passenger noted wet grass caused the slide.

Incident Overview

A private airplane experienced a runway overrun during an aborted takeoff from a private grass airstrip. The aircraft struck a fence, fence post, and trees after departing the runway end.

Sequence of Events

The pilot had previously landed the airplane at the same airstrip without incident. During the subsequent departure, the airplane failed to gain adequate airspeed, prompting the pilot to abort the takeoff. According to a drawing submitted by the pilot, the airplane had traveled approximately 1,800 feet along the 2,600-foot runway when the abort was initiated. The remaining 800 feet of the airstrip consisted of newly planted grass that had not been mowed.

Pilot and Passenger Statements

The pilot reported that the unmowed grass on the remaining runway surface provided insufficient traction to bring the airplane to a stop before the end of the strip. The passenger stated that the airplane slid off the runway due to the combination of new and wet grass, which reduced friction.

Outcome

The aircraft continued beyond the runway threshold, colliding with a fence, a fence post, and trees. The extent of damage to the airplane and the condition of the occupants were not specified in the report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19770. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.