N3398M

Substantial
None

PIPER PA 28R-201S/N: 28R-7837113

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
NTSB Number
CEN14CA164
Location
Ruidoso, NM
Event ID
20140320X02459
Coordinates
33.465557, -105.548614
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's failure to adjust the engine's fuel-air mixture and decision to takeoff in high density attitude conditions which degraded the airplane's performance.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N3398M
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28R-7837113
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Year Built
1977
Model / ICAO
PA 28R-201M600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
DE AVIATION INC
Address
101 AIRPORT BLVD
Status
Deregistered
City
LA PORTE
State / Zip Code
TX 77571-4401
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot initiated the takeoff roll from runway 30 with the throttle and mixture control in the full forward position. When the airspeed reached 65 knots, the airplane began to climb and the pilot noticed that the airplane was not accelerating. He flew over the departure end of runway 30 at 100 feet and started a shallow left turn. He noticed that the landing gear indicator lights were illuminated green so he adjusted the landing gear lever down and then up again. The green lights remained illuminated. He then decided to fly to runway 6 and make a forced landing. The airplane was still 100 above the ground and began to lose altitude. The pilot made a forced landing straight ahead into a field and the airplane struck several trees. Prior to departure, the fuel tanks were filled with 40 gallons of fuel and the airplane contained 40 pounds of luggage. The calculated density altitude for the flight was about 7,800 feet. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN14CA164