Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-180 near West Chester, PA — 2021-03-21

Final reportERA21LA161
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Date
2021-03-21
Location
West Chester, PA, USA
Airport
OQN
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-180
Registration
N24JN
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with airport lights and a hangar.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while on his takeoff roll, the airplane veered to the left of the runway centerline when he glanced down to check the instruments. He corrected with right rudder to return to the center; however, he overcorrected and then added left rudder. Before he was able to correct, the airplane exited the left side of the runway and struck the precision approach path indicator lights, which breached the left fuel tank and ignited a fire in the left wing. The airplane subsequently crossed a taxiway, travelled down an embankment, and impacted a maintenance hangar. The pilot egressed through the right cockpit door and was able to extinguish the fire. The airplane’s left wing was substantially damaged during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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