Casualties unknown

Airplane Drifts During Takeoff, Strikes Hay Bales (N9291P)

Archer, FL, US

On October 12, 2003, a Piper PA-24-260B (registration N9291P) was involved in an aviation accident near Archer, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll/run, which resulted in the airplane veering off the centerline of the runway and impacting an object, incurring damage. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During the takeoff roll, the airplane drifted left, causing the left wing tip to contact a hay bale. The collision led the airplane to veer and exit the runway, where it struck another hay bale, resulting in damage. The pilot reported no mechanical issues.

Accident Narrative

During the takeoff roll on runway 18, the pilot allowed the airplane to drift to the left of the centerline. As a result, the left wing tip contacted a hay bale. According to the pilot, the impact with the hay bale caused the airplane to veer approximately 90 degrees to the left and subsequently exit the runway. After leaving the runway surface, the airplane impacted another hay bale, which spun it further to the left and incurred damage.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that prior to the accident, there had been no mechanical failure or malfunction to the airplane or any of its systems.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031215X02035. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.