Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-140 near Angwin, CA — 2009-10-30

Final reportWPR10CA035
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Date
2009-10-30
Location
Angwin, CA, USA
Airport
2O3
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-140
Registration
N1721T
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to properly identify the runway surface for takeoff and his subsequent failure to abort the takeoff when he realized he was not on the runway. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to select the appropriate radio frequency to activate the runway lights.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he positioned the airplane for the night takeoff approximately 1/4-mile from the start of Runway 34. He attempted to activate the runway lights using the radio; however, he had selected an incorrect frequency. He used his landing light and positioned the airplane where he believed the runway was located. As the airplane approached 65 miles per hour, he saw grass and dirt. His passenger requested that he stop the airplane; however, the pilot felt that his options were better if he continued the takeoff. The passenger continued to request that he stop the airplane and the groundspeed was about 80 miles per hour. The pilot further reported that the passenger’s seat was positioned further back than his and that the passenger was pulling the yoke aft and her feet were pushing on the rudder pedals. The airplane then impacted a fence. Later activation of the airport lighting system revealed no operational anomalies when the correct radio frequency was selected.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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