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Engine Smoke During Takeoff Roll Precedes Impact (N891SP)

San Antonio, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On September 27, 1993, a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo (registration N891SP) operated by Kent K. Gillingham was involved in an aviation accident near San Antonio, United States of America during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure by the pilot-in-command to maintain VMC following takeoff. Factors were: partial loss of power to one engine for undetermined reason, and lack of total experience in aircraft type. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archiveUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, the left engine emitted black smoke. The pilot continued, then after takeoff the aircraft leveled off, turned left, and impacted ground 2 miles west. Engine showed no malfunction; pilot had 12 hours in type.

Event Description

During the takeoff roll, the left engine of the aircraft began to emit black smoke. The tower controller informed the pilot of the smoke, but the pilot did not respond and continued the takeoff. After becoming airborne, the aircraft was observed to level off, then enter a left turn, and subsequently impact the ground approximately 2 miles west of the airport.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the left engine provided no evidence of malfunction. Review of available pilot records indicated that the pilot had 12 hours of experience in the aircraft type. The official probable cause was determined to be the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain VMC following takeoff. Contributing factors were a partial loss of power to one engine for an undetermined reason and the pilot's lack of total experience in the aircraft type.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Sept 1993 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near San Antonio, United States of America?

During takeoff, the left engine emitted black smoke. The pilot continued, then after takeoff the aircraft leveled off, turned left, and impacted ground 2 miles west. Engine showed no malfunction; pilot had 12 hours in type.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Sept 1993 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Sept 1993 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration N891SP, operated by Kent K. Gillingham, at San Antonio, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure by the pilot-in-command to maintain VMC following takeoff. Factors were: partial loss of power to one engine for undetermined reason, and lack of total experience in aircraft type.

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