N9708T

Substantial
None

Piper PA38S/N: 38-78A0164

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA20CA014
Location
Colorado Springs, CO
Event ID
20191015X24741
Coordinates
38.942779, -104.569999
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 maintain the runway heading while taking off with a gusting tailwind, which resulted in impact with a fence.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N9708T
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
38-78A0164
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1978
Model / ICAO
PA38PA38
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
6000 DOUGLAS DR N
Status
Deregistered
City
CRYSTAL
State / Zip Code
MN 55429-2314
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff the airplane drifted left off runway heading. He attempted to correct, but the airplane continued to drift left, impacted a fence and came to rest in a horse corral.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The airport's automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was 220° at 10 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The pilot reported that, about the time of the accident the wind was 330° at 11 knots. The airplane was departing from runway 08.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA20CA014