Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 22-160 near Harrisonburg, VA — 2016-07-02

Final reportERA16CA239
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Date
2016-07-02
Location
Harrisonburg, VA, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA 22-160
Registration
N8130D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff in gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot/owner of the single-engine, tailwheel-equipped airplane was attempting to depart from a private turf runway. During the takeoff, a wind gust contacted the airplane from the left side, and the airplane veered to the right. The airplane's right wing and propeller then struck a fence post. The pilot tried to fly the airplane back to the runway, but it impacted terrain and slid into a tree. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the wreckage revealed substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The recorded weather at an airport located about 15 miles from the accident site, about the time of the accident, included a left quartering headwind at 9 knots.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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