Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28R-180 near Durango, CO — 2013-06-18

Final reportCEN13LA358
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Date
2013-06-18
Location
Durango, CO, USA
Airport
DRO
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28R-180
Registration
N7444J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to take off with a tailwind at a high-density altitude, which resulted in the airplane’s failure to maintain the initial climb rate.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, in accordance with operating procedures, he leaned the engine's fuel-air mixture before takeoff to compensate for the high-density altitude (the departure airport had a density altitude of 9,355 feet). During takeoff, the airplane accelerated to 80 mph, lifted off the runway, and climbed to about 100 feet above ground level. The pilot stated that the airplane seemed "sluggish" and that it stopped climbing. The airplane rapidly descended, the pilot made a controlled landing off the departure end of the runway, and the airplane's wings were substantially damaged when they struck several approach lights. Fuel was found on board, and it was not contaminated. The examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. An engine ground run was conducted, and the engine developed full power. The runway length was sufficient for a safe take off. The high-density altitude and the tailwind likely contributed to airplane's reduced performance.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff due to sluggish performance and low climb rate.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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