Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 28-180 near Montague, CA — 2018-03-11

Final reportWPR18LA105
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Date
2018-03-11
Location
Montague, CA, USA
Airport
1O5
Aircraft
PIPER PA 28-180
Registration
N6611J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

Impact with powerlines and terrain after takeoff for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during takeoff following a touch-and-go landing, the airplane would not climb. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing, during which the airplane contacted power lines and terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. Following the accident, the engine was successfully run on the airframe at various power settings with no anomalies noted. Flight control continuity was established throughout the airframe, and there was no evidence of any preimpact malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. Given the available information, the reason for the impact with powerlines and terrain after takeoff could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the takeoff when he sensed something wasn't right.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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