Incident Details
On August 1, 2020, about 0130 central daylight time, a Piper PA28R airplane (N9765C) was substantially damaged when it overran the runway at Seiling Airport (1S4), Seiling, Oklahoma. The pilot and three passengers were uninjured. The flight was operated under Part 91 personal rules.
Pilot Actions
The pilot had arrived earlier that day for a rodeo event and returned to the airplane around 0100. He calculated takeoff weight at 2,622.8 lbs (max 2,750 lbs) with 25-26 gallons fuel. He estimated required takeoff distance of 1,700-1,800 ft from the 2,435-ft runway. He did not use short-field technique and kept flaps retracted. He positioned at the runway end, held brakes, advanced throttle, mixture, and propeller to full. During takeoff roll at about 60 knots, he heard a sound and felt vibration, prompting an abort. He could not stop the airplane, which exited the runway, crossed a road, and hit trees.
Investigation Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector found substantial left wing damage. A postaccident engine and system examination revealed no mechanical malfunctions. The inspector calculated takeoff distance needed under conditions as about 2,000-2,100 ft, noting the pilot's preflight estimate was too low. NTSB calculations confirmed a 2,100-ft takeoff roll.
Data Analysis
The airplane's engine monitor recorded data showing the takeoff roll began 117 ft from the runway's departure end. Engine rpm and fuel flow reduced at 1,760 ft into the roll; GPS speed decreased 242 ft later. The pilot had only 304 ft remaining to stop. The pilot reported reaching 60 knots when he felt vibration and aborted; data showed the airplane continued 5 seconds and 668 ft after reaching 60 knots before abort initiation. No anomalies were found in engine or GPS data.