No fatalities

2 Jul 2016: PIPER PA 22-160 160 — Harrisonburg, VA

Harrisonburg, VA, United States

On 2 Jul 2016, a PIPER PA 22-160 160 was involved in an aviation accident near Harrisonburg, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions. 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

A single-engine tailwheel airplane veered right during takeoff from a private turf runway after a gust of wind, striking a fence post before impacting terrain and sliding into a tree. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Accident Details

The pilot/owner of a single-engine tailwheel airplane was attempting to depart from a private turf runway. During the takeoff, a gust of wind contacted the airplane from the left side, causing it to veer to the right. The airplane's right wing and propeller subsequently struck a fence post. The pilot then attempted to fly the airplane back to the runway, but it impacted terrain and slid into a tree.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

Aircraft Damage

Examination of the wreckage revealed substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

Weather Conditions

Weather recorded at an airport located about 15 miles from the accident site, around the time of the accident, included a left quartering headwind at 9 knots.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Effect on operationContributed to outcome