N43421

Substantial
Minor

PIPER PA-28-140S/N: 28-7425365

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, January 14, 2010
NTSB Number
ERA10CA114
Location
Collegedale, TN
Event ID
20100114X44731
Coordinates
35.039722, -85.021942
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the initial climb after takeoff in dark light conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N43421
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-7425365
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1974
Model / ICAO
PA-28-140P28A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
GOSPEL MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL
Address
9401 BENNIE LN
Status
Deregistered
City
OOLTEWAH
State / Zip Code
TN 37363-1007
Country
United States

Analysis

The airplane was departing from runway 3, a 4,700-foot-long, 75-foot-wide, asphalt runway, during night visual meteorological conditions. The pilot reported that he lost sight of outside visual references after takeoff, due to darkness, and he was not initially aware that the airplane was turning to the left. He added that he momentarily "did not pay attention" to the airplane's instruments, and when he realized that the airplane was turning, it was "too late." The airplane struck trees located off the left side of the runway, and impacted the ground. After the pilot exited, a post crash fire substantially consumed the airplane. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The pilot's logbook was consumed by fire. He estimated that his total flight experience was 110 hours, which included 10 hours flight in "night" conditions.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA10CA114