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Airplane Aborts Takeoff and Strikes Hill After Using Improper Flap Setting (N36555)

Viburnum, MO, US

On April 25, 2002, a Piper PA-32RT-300 (registration N36555) was involved in an aviation accident near Viburnum, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper short field takeoff planning and procedure. The takeoff weight above the maximum gross weight and the hill were contributing factors. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted a hill after an aborted takeoff from runway 27. The pilot used an informal short field takeoff procedure with 10 degrees of flaps, contrary to the published 25-degree setting, and the aircraft was 80 lbs over its gross weight limit.

Accident Overview

The accident airplane sustained substantial damage when it struck a hill during an aborted takeoff from runway 27. The landing gear was sheared from the airframe, and the right main landing gear impacted the horizontal stabilizer.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported using an informal short field takeoff procedure, employing 10 degrees of trailing edge flaps. He also stated that the aircraft was 80 pounds over its maximum gross weight limit. After observing a lower than expected climb rate, the pilot initiated an aborted takeoff on the remaining runway length to avoid a church located along the intended climb path.

Published Procedures

According to the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), the recommended flap setting for short field takeoff is 25 degrees. No takeoff performance data exists in the POH for a flap setting of 10 degrees.

Damage Assessment

The airplane's landing gear was torn off during the impact with the hill. The right main landing gear then struck the horizontal stabilizer, causing additional damage. The overall damage was classified as substantial.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Apr 2002 Piper PA-32RT-300 accident near Viburnum, MO?

An airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted a hill after an aborted takeoff from runway 27. The pilot used an informal short field takeoff procedure with 10 degrees of flaps, contrary to the published 25-degree setting, and the aircraft was 80 lbs over its gross weight limit.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Apr 2002 involved a Piper PA-32RT-300, registration N36555, at Viburnum, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper short field takeoff planning and procedure. The takeoff weight above the maximum gross weight and the hill were contributing factors.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020510X00656. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.