Accident Overview
On September 26, 2018, at about 1650 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-32RT-300T Lance, registered as N24BA, was substantially damaged in an accident near Malad, Idaho. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 ferry flight. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured.
Pilot's Account
The ferry flight originated from Malad City Airport (MLD) in Malad, Idaho, with a planned destination of Great Falls International Airport (GTF) in Great Falls, Montana. According to the pilot, he did not realize that he had entered the runway at a taxiway intersection approximately halfway down the runway. During the takeoff ground roll, the airplane’s speed reached about 60 knots, which was below rotation speed. At that point, the pilot recognized that the end of the runway was approaching and that he needed to either lift off or abort the takeoff. He pulled up on the controls to initiate takeoff, but heard the stall warning horn and the airplane did not become airborne. The pilot then applied the brakes in an attempt to stop, but insufficient runway remained. The airplane continued off the end of the runway, crossed over a road, and collided with a drainage ditch.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to its wings and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.