Casualties unknown

1999-10-20: Piper PA-32-300 (N2XT) — Custer, SD

Custer, SD, US

On October 20, 1999, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N2XT) was involved in an aviation accident near Custer, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and decision to perform an intersection takeoff, and the improper short field, rolling, intersection takeoff. A factor relating to this accident was the trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A pilot aborted an intersection takeoff after poor performance, passed over a drop-off, and struck a tree with the right wing. Investigation found no anomalies.

Accident Overview

During an intersection takeoff with 4,100 feet of usable runway remaining, the pilot advanced the throttle to half, then to full after the roll began. The pilot reported that the airplane did not perform as expected during the takeoff roll. After lifting the nose from the runway, the pilot noted that the typical liftoff and climbout power was absent. Determining the airplane would not become safely airborne, the pilot aborted the takeoff.

Aborted Takeoff and Obstacle Encounter

The pilot applied brakes but concluded that the airplane's speed would carry it off the end of the runway. While moving beyond the runway, the pilot avoided obstacles as the airplane passed over an approximately 10-foot drop-off. The pilot then guided the airplane between a 7-foot-tall tree, which struck and removed the right wing.

Post-Accident Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies with the airplane.

Performance Data

According to the 25-degree Flaps Takeoff Ground Roll chart in the Pilot's Operating Handbook, for a 3,600-pound airplane, temperature of 60°F, pressure altitude of 6,800 feet MSL, and estimated headwind of 5 knots, the takeoff ground roll was approximately 1,950 feet. Associated conditions included 2,700 rpm, full throttle before brake release, and a paved, level, dry runway. The Flaps Up Takeoff Ground Roll chart for a 3,600-pound airplane under the same conditions showed a takeoff ground roll of approximately 2,790 feet.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19924. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.