No fatalities

Pilot's Unfamiliarity with Aircraft and Airport Cited in Takeoff Accident

Gann Valley, SD, United States

On September 27, 2008, a PIPER PA28 140 operated by Dihl J. Grohs was involved in an aviation accident near Gann Valley, SD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to gain sufficient altitude during takeoff as a result of inadequate preflight planning. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot taking a non-pilot rated owner and passenger on a local flight hit a fence and embankment during takeoff, citing unfamiliarity with the airplane and airport as factors in the go/no-go decision.

Incident Overview

A pilot agreed to take the non-pilot rated aircraft owner and a passenger on a local flight. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported being unable to gain sufficient altitude to clear a fence located off the departure end of the runway. The landing gear subsequently contacted the fence, and the airplane continued forward until it struck an embankment.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that he was not familiar with the particular airplane and airport involved in the flight. He further noted that he should have had a greater safety margin on which to base his midfield go/no-go decision.

Aircraft and Location

The accident report did not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, exact location, or number of occupants beyond the three individuals mentioned. No information was provided regarding injuries, fatalities, or damage items. The time of day, weather conditions, and whether air traffic control was involved are also not stated in the source.

Investigation

The source material does not include a probable cause determination by investigating authorities. The pilot's own comments about unfamiliarity and safety margin are presented as his personal assessment rather than an official finding.

Contributing factors

Causes

Capability exceededPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Sept 2008 PIPER PA28 140 accident near Gann Valley, SD?

A pilot taking a non-pilot rated owner and passenger on a local flight hit a fence and embankment during takeoff, citing unfamiliarity with the airplane and airport as factors in the go/no-go decision.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Sept 2008 PIPER PA28 140 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Sept 2008 involved a PIPER PA28 140, operated by Dihl J. Grohs, at Gann Valley, SD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to gain sufficient altitude during takeoff as a result of inadequate preflight planning.