Pilot Debrief

Piper PA-32-260 near Grand Canyon, AZ — 2008-03-30

Final reportLAX08CA111
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Date
2008-03-30
Location
Grand Canyon, AZ, USA
Airport
40G
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Registration
N5521J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and delay in aborting the takeoff. Contributing to the accident were wind gusts and a crosswind.

NTSB narrative

After fueling the airplane, a normal engine start was accomplished and the pilot announced on Unicom that he was taxiing to runway 19 for engine run up. Prior to takeoff, the pilot requested a wind check, and was given 170 to 220 degrees at 20-25 knots. During the takeoff roll, the airplane drifted towards the right edge of the runway. The airplane became airborne momentarily, but settled back to the runway as it continued to accelerate. With about a quarter of the runway remaining, the pilot aborted the takeoff. During the pilot's attempts to stop the airplane, it overran the end of the runway and came to rest approximately 100 feet from the end. The left wing's spar was bent, and the wing's top skin and bottom skin were wrinkled.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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