No fatalities

Pilot Reports Runway Excursion After Attempting to Close Window Vent

McMinnville, OR, United States

On August 21, 2012, a PIPER PA-28-140 operated by PACIFIC FLYERS INC was involved in an aviation accident near McMinnville, OR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s loss of directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion. 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 takeoff roll, a pilot attempted to close a window vent and veered off the left side of the runway. After aborting and taxiing back, no damage was initially found. Later, substantial wing spar damage was discovered during a club meeting.

Event Details

The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, he attempted to close a window vent and subsequently veered off the left side of the runway. He aborted the takeoff and then taxied the airplane back to the runway for another takeoff attempt. Prior to the second takeoff, the pilot examined the airplane and did not observe any damage. After landing following the second takeoff, he secured the airplane in the club hangar.

Damage Discovery

On August 25th, during a flying club meeting, the pilot observed damage to the lower section of the right wing. A subsequent examination revealed substantial damage to the wing spar.

Pilot's Report

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane prior to the runway excursion.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Aug 2012 PIPER PA-28-140 accident near McMinnville, OR?

During takeoff roll, a pilot attempted to close a window vent and veered off the left side of the runway. After aborting and taxiing back, no damage was initially found. Later, substantial wing spar damage was discovered during a club meeting.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Aug 2012 PIPER PA-28-140 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Aug 2012 involved a PIPER PA-28-140, operated by PACIFIC FLYERS INC, at McMinnville, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s loss of directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.