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Pilot Reports Incorrect Radio Frequency and Passenger Interference During Night Takeoff Attempt

Angwin, CA, United States

On October 30, 2009, a PIPER PA-28-140 operated by Lee Mize was involved in an aviation accident near Angwin, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to properly identify the runway surface for takeoff and his subsequent failure to abort the takeoff when he realized he was not on the runway. 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

During a night takeoff, the pilot selected the wrong radio frequency for runway lights, used the landing light to navigate, and saw grass and dirt at 65 mph. Despite passenger requests to stop, the pilot continued, resulting in a fence impact. Later testing of the lighting system showed no anomalies.

Event Summary

A pilot reported that during a nighttime takeoff attempt, he positioned the airplane approximately one-quarter mile from the start of runway 34. He attempted to activate the runway lights using the radio but had selected an incorrect frequency. As a result, he relied on his landing light and positioned the airplane where he believed the runway was located.

Pilot Actions

As the airplane accelerated to about 65 miles per hour, the pilot observed grass and dirt ahead. At that point, his passenger requested that he stop the airplane. However, in his opinion, he felt his options were better if he continued the takeoff. The passenger continued to request that he stop, and the groundspeed had reached about 80 miles per hour.

Passenger Actions

The pilot further reported that the passenger’s seat was positioned farther back than his own, and that the passenger was pulling the yoke aft and pushing on the rudder pedals with her feet. The airplane subsequently impacted a fence.

Post-Event Findings

Later activation of the airport lighting system revealed no operational anomalies when the correct radio frequency was selected.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotAwareness of condition

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcomeUse of related info

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Oct 2009 PIPER PA-28-140 accident near Angwin, CA?

During a night takeoff, the pilot selected the wrong radio frequency for runway lights, used the landing light to navigate, and saw grass and dirt at 65 mph. Despite passenger requests to stop, the pilot continued, resulting in a fence impact. Later testing of the lighting system showed no anomalies.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Oct 2009 PIPER PA-28-140 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Oct 2009 involved a PIPER PA-28-140, operated by Lee Mize, at Angwin, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to properly identify the runway surface for takeoff and his subsequent failure to abort the takeoff when he realized he was not on the runway. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to select the appropriate radio frequency to activate the runway lights.

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