N43786

On May 19, 1995, about 1656 eastern daylight time, a Piper, PA-28-181, N43786, was substantially damaged during an aborted takeoff, from Bowman Field Airport, Louisville, Kentucky. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the pilot's statement on the NTSB Form 6120.1/2:

Weight and balance was determined to be 2522.3 lbs. with C.G. of 93 inches)...I began takeoff roll on Runway 32 and the aircraft accelerated to 55 knots. I pulled back on the yoke with what I considered normal back pressure and the aircraft rotated...at that point the aircraft stopped accelerating. I decided to abort the take off. I throttled back, applied brakes and pulled back on the yoke. The aircraft decelerated but not at the rate I expected for full braking. The aircraft crossed...Runway 14 and onto the grass...struck the airport security fence and stopped...

According to the FAA Inspector's statement the "corrected total weight" at takeoff was 2,575 pounds, and the maximum certified weight for takeoff was "2,550" pounds.

The FAA Inspector wrote:

It is the opinion of this inspector that the over gross weight of this aircraft and the inexperience of the low time pilot to operate this aircraft in a HEAVY configuration led to the aborted takeoff and subsequent accident...inspection of the aircraft did not reveal any mechanical malfunction.

The Louisville (LOU) 1658 weather observation was; 3000 scattered, visibility 10 miles, temperature 75 degrees F, dew point 41 degrees F, wind 030 degrees, 9 knots, altimeter 29.88 inches Hg.

At the time of the accident the pilot's total flight hours was 116, all in this make and model airplane, and 52 hours as pilot- in-command.