Pilot Debrief

Piper PA 30 near Eagle Creek, OR — 2020-03-19

Final reportWPR20LA111
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Date
2020-03-19
Location
Eagle Creek, OR, USA
Airport
OR65
Aircraft
Piper PA 30
Registration
N7155Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of airplane control during takeoff due to his left shoe’s interference with the rudder pedal.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he positioned the airplane just left of the centerline and held the brakes for a short-field takeoff. After adding full power, he released the brakes and directed the airplane toward the center of the runway. Once the airplane was centered, he attempted to realign the nose of the airplane with the runway; however, the airplane kept turning left. At the same time, the airplane reached 80 knots and lifted off the runway. The pilot attempted to add right rudder, but it did not move because his left shoe was stuck between the rudder pedals. The airplane continued to turn left, so he reduced power on the right engine in attempt to straighten the airplane. He freed his foot from the rudder pedal, but the airplane was headed directly toward a large tree along the left side of the runway. He pulled back on the yoke and attempted to climb, but the airplane struck several trees and a postimpact fire ensued. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked for obstructions before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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