Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-31-325 near Washington, PA — 2012-09-09

Final reportERA12LA557
Sign in to save
Date
2012-09-09
Location
Washington, PA, USA
Airport
AFJ
Aircraft
PIPER PA-31-325
Registration
N3591P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The airplane’s encounter with a flock of geese during takeoff, which resulted in the airplane’s hard impact with the runway while the pilot maneuvered in an attempt to avoid the geese.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after the airplane lifted off the runway, the pilots observed a flock of geese approaching from the right. The pilot-in-command believed that the birds would impact the cockpit windows, so he pushed forward on the control yoke to descend and avoid such a collision. The airplane struck the runway hard and bounced back into the air. The pilots continued the takeoff and returned to the airport for an uneventful landing. Postaccident examination revealed structural damage to the airframe. Also, bird remains were found on the fuselage.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when geese were approaching.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

Related mishaps