On May 24, 2000, a Piper PA-28R-180 (registration N3700T) was involved in an aviation accident near Tonopah, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain the proper rotation airspeed during initial takeoff and his improper aborted takeoff procedures. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot aborted takeoff after premature liftoff, resulting in a hard landing that damaged the wings and main gear. No engine malfunctions were reported.
Accident Details
The pilot of a general aviation airplane aborted the takeoff just after liftoff, resulting in a hard landing. The airplane dropped several feet onto the runway, causing damage to the wings and main landing gear.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, he had just refueled the airplane following a cross-country flight to the accident airport. The engine run-up and magneto check before takeoff were normal. While taxiing onto the runway, he noted light winds and temperatures in the 70s. During the takeoff roll, the pilot believed he pulled the airplane off the runway prematurely, as the airplane felt like it was in ground effect. He aborted the takeoff to prevent the airplane from stalling. The pilot stated there were no engine malfunctions during the flight.