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Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Trees During Takeoff from Wet Grass Strip (N38709)

Beaumont, KS, US

On June 13, 2002, a Piper PA-32R-300 (registration N38709) was involved in an aviation accident near Beaumont, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and his failure to abort the takeoff when he realized the aircraft was not accelerating as expected. The wet and muddy turf runway was a contributing factor. 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 after hitting trees during takeoff from a wet, muddy grass airstrip. The pilot reported failing to reach rotation speed and acknowledged he should have aborted.

Accident Overview

An airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted trees during takeoff from a grass airstrip that was wet and muddy. The pilot reported that rain had fallen the day and night prior to the flight.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated that the aircraft did not achieve rotation speed by the end of the runway. He acknowledged that he should have aborted the takeoff once he realized the airplane was too slow to lift off.

Aircraft Examination

Examination of the airframe, powerplant, and systems revealed no anomalies that existed prior to the impact. The investigation found no evidence of pre-existing mechanical or structural issues.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jun 2002 Piper PA-32R-300 accident near Beaumont, KS?

An airplane was substantially damaged after hitting trees during takeoff from a wet, muddy grass airstrip. The pilot reported failing to reach rotation speed and acknowledged he should have aborted.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jun 2002 involved a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N38709, at Beaumont, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and his failure to abort the takeoff when he realized the aircraft was not accelerating as expected. The wet and muddy turf runway was a contributing factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020617X00899. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.