Casualties unknown

2000-10-15: Piper PA-32R-301T (N289JG) — James A. Gecsei — Tecumseh, MI

Tecumseh, MI, US

On October 15, 2000, a Piper PA-32R-301T (registration N289JG) operated by James A. Gecsei was involved in an aviation accident near Tecumseh, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot was unable to rotate the aircraft during takeoff for undetermined reasons. A factor associated with the accident was the soft terrain, which the airplane encountered during the aborted takeoff. 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 the runway and collided with soft terrain after the pilot aborted the takeoff due to inability to rotate. No mechanical failure was found in flight controls, but engine discrepancies were noted.

Accident Overview

During an aborted takeoff, the airplane overran the runway and collided with soft terrain. The pilot reported that preflight, engine start, and engine run-up were normal. At 85 knots, the pilot attempted to rotate the airplane by pulling back on the yoke. The yoke moved only slightly, and the airplane would not rotate. The pilot pulled again hard but still no rotation. He then cut the throttle and applied full brakes.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane traveled off the end of the runway, across a road, and into a plowed field. Upon impact with the field, the nose gear collapsed and both main gears separated from the airplane.

Inspection Findings

Inspection of the airplane revealed no failure or malfunction of the flight control systems. However, inspection of the engine disclosed that the three screws securing the magneto harness cover on the right magneto were missing, and the harness was backed away from the magneto. Additionally, the turbine in the turbocharger was dragging when the pilot attempted to spin it by hand. A teardown of the turbocharger revealed a build-up of carbon in the heat shield.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22122. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.