No fatalities

5 Apr 2009: PIPER PA-22-160 — North Little Rock, AR

North Little Rock, AR, United States

On 5 Apr 2009, a PIPER PA-22-160 was involved in an aviation accident near North Little Rock, AR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions during takeoff. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During a crosswind takeoff with 24-knot winds gusting to 34 knots at 60 degrees off heading, the pilot exited the runway onto grass, causing the airplane to nose over and sustain damage.

Event Summary

A pilot attempting a crosswind takeoff encountered strong winds blowing at 60 degrees relative to the runway heading, with sustained speeds of 24 knots and gusts up to 34 knots. During the takeoff roll, the pilot was unable to maintain the airplane on the runway centerline. In response, the pilot reportedly elected to steer the airplane off the downwind side of the concrete runway onto the grass.

Accident Sequence

As the airplane left the runway surface and entered the grass area, it nosed over and came to rest inverted. The aircraft ended up upside down on the terrain adjacent to the runway.

Damage

The airplane's wings and vertical stabilizer sustained structural damage as a result of the nose-over and inverted position. No other damage details were provided.

Mechanical Status

The investigation found no reported mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane's flight controls. The airplane appeared to have been operating normally prior to the event.

Contributing factors

PilotCapability exceededAbility to respond/compensate