No fatalities

7 Sep 2018: Piper PA28 140 — De Pere, WI

De Pere, WI, United States

On 7 Sep 2018, a Piper PA28 140 was involved in an aviation accident near De Pere, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper decision not to abort the takeoff after the airplane encountered standing water on the runway, which decreased its speed and led to its subsequent inability to climb and resulted in a runway overrun. 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 takeoff roll on a 2,200-foot wet turf runway, the airplane encountered standing water twice, causing airspeed decreases. The pilot retracted flaps and attempted to climb, but the airplane exited the runway and struck a cornfield.

Takeoff and Encounter with Standing Water

The pilot reported initiating a takeoff roll on a 2,200-foot wet turf runway. After traveling about 1,650 feet down the runway, the airplane encountered standing water, causing its airspeed to decrease. The pilot stated that he still felt he had plenty of room to regain airspeed and take off safely.

Subsequent Encounter and Attempted Climb

The airplane then encountered additional standing water on another section of the runway, and the airspeed again decreased. The pilot retracted two notches of flaps and attempted to climb. However, the airplane exited the departure end of the runway and collided with a cornfield.

Post-Accident Examination

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mounts. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotEffect on operationAirspeed — Not attained/maintainedAttain/maintain not possible

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome