Casualties unknown

2002-12-13: Piper PA-601P (N141AJ) — Manassas, VA

Manassas, VA, US

On December 13, 2002, a Piper PA-601P (registration N141AJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Manassas, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot' failure to maintain directional control during an 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

During takeoff, a pilot felt a shudder at 65 KIAS and aborted due to directional control problems; the airplane departed the runway onto rain-soaked sod, sustaining minor damage in the accident and substantial damage during recovery.

Event Summary

During the takeoff roll, the pilot advanced the throttles after receiving clearance. He used differential braking to maintain runway alignment until reaching 40 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS), then transitioned to rudder control. At approximately 65 KIAS, the pilot experienced a shudder that he initially attributed to standing water on the runway. A second shudder occurred within a second, and the pilot began to have directional control difficulties. Because the airplane was "...well below rotation speed," he decided to abort the takeoff.

Aborted Takeoff and Runway Departure

The pilot closed both throttles. Within two seconds, the airplane yawed left and departed the runway. It slid approximately 1,000 feet on rain-soaked sod before coming to a stop. Visibility at the time was 3 miles in rain, and the runway surface had standing water.

Post-Accident Examination

Following the incident, examination of the engines and airframe revealed no preimpact failures or malfunctions. The airplane sustained minor damage during the accident sequence and substantial damage during the recovery process.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030106X00018. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.