Overview
On July 27, 2013, at 1022 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N371JB) was substantially damaged during a runway overrun at Columbus Airport (CSG), Columbus, Georgia. The private pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local personal flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Events
According to a written statement by the pilot-rated passenger, she had earlier attempted a takeoff from runway 31. She felt the engine was not developing enough power and aborted the takeoff. The accident pilot subsequently arrived at the airport, and they "checked everything again." He decided to "go one more time," but they "felt the same thing" and he aborted the takeoff. The accident pilot then took off on a third attempt. After feeling once again that the engine was not developing enough power, he decided to land straight ahead.
In a written statement, the accident pilot confirmed the first pilot's recollection. He added that during the third attempt, the airplane took off at about 70 knots and climbed to about 60 feet above the ground when he felt there wasn't enough power to continue. He then aborted the takeoff and landed the airplane in the grass just past the end of the runway.
Witness Account
A witness reported seeing the airplane bounce once on the runway before overrunning the end, then "pivot" 180 degrees before stopping. This resulted in the nose landing gear collapse and damage to the right wing. The witness also noted that earlier, the pilot of the first attempt had stated the airspeed indicator was "not performing." Wind recorded near the time of the accident was calm.
Post-Accident Actions
According to the responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the accident pilot confirmed that he and the other pilot originally thought there was an airspeed indication problem. After the first aborted takeoff, the accident pilot examined the pitot head and noticed debris, which he removed. He then performed a high speed taxi test to ensure the airspeed indicator was functioning properly before attempting another takeoff. The pilot initially planned to have the airplane repaired but instead sold it to an aircraft parts company; further investigation into possible performance-related anomalies was not pursued.