N4297S

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-28-181S/N: 28-8390045

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, January 26, 2012
NTSB Number
WPR12CA083
Location
Santa Barbara, CA
Event ID
20120127X53748
Coordinates
34.426109, -119.841392
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot did not maintain directional control during takeoff.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N4297S
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-8390045
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1983
Model / ICAO
PA-28-181P28A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
UAA INTERNATIONAL INC
Address
1925 MCKINLEY AVE STE H
Status
Deregistered
City
LA VERNE
State / Zip Code
CA 91750-5800
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that after aligning the airplane with the runway centerline and adding full power, the airplane accelerated and then began to veer to the left. The pilot further said that he immediately added right rudder to correct for the deviation but the airplane did not respond to the control input. The pilot stated that he then elected to abort the takeoff, but seeing runway signs in his path he added full power again in an attempt to get airborne to avoid colliding with the signs. After becoming airborne the airplane impacted an airport sign with its right main landing gear and right stabilator, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. Neither the pilot nor a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, who examined the airplane after the accident, reported any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies. The pilot added that he was using runway 25 at the time of the accident, that the wind was 250 degrees at 8 knots, and that there were no gust reported.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR12CA083