N204AB

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-36-285S/N: 36-7660023

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
NTSB Number
CEN12CA542
Location
Harvey, ND
Event ID
20120814X42848
Coordinates
47.693611, -99.961944
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s decision to take off with the airplane over its maximum gross weight on a turf runway and with a tailwind, and his subsequent failure to maintain airplane control.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N204AB
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
36-7660023
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1976
Model / ICAO
PA-36-285PA36
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
2055 110TH AVE SE
Status
Deregistered
City
CLARA CITY
State / Zip Code
MN 56222-1096
Country
United States

Analysis

Prior to takeoff on the aerial application flight the pilot loaded applicant and fuel which, as reported by the pilot, put the airplane slightly over maximum gross weight. In addition, he checked the automated report for the nearest airplane weather facility, which reported wind from the north at four knots. The pilot departed the private strip, a 2,600 foot long turf and asphalt runway, to the south towards a river. While on takeoff roll, with a tailwind, the airplane was rotated for takeoff at the “normal” rotation point. The airplane climbed to about three feet then settled back to the runway. With a quarter of the runway remaining, the pilot continued the takeoff, increased flaps, and verified the throttle and propeller controls were full forward. The pilot again rotated the airplane and was able to climb about four feet when the airplane again settled back to the ground. The pilot then dumped the application load and tried to maintain control of the airplane. The airplane flew a short distance to the opposite river bank, impacted terrain, and slid on its belly. The pilot reported in preflight checks, the airplane had adequate oil and the fuel was sumped of any water. In addition, the pilot reported normal engine instrumentation prior to takeoff roll.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN12CA542