Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate visual lookout for livestock during takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot elected to make a precautionary landing in an open field, due to adverse weather conditions along his route of flight. After the weather improved, he attempted a takeoff. During the initial takeoff climb, the airplane collided with a cow and crashed.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 9, 1994, at 1445 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-38- 112, N25871, collided with livestock on the initial takeoff climb from a field near Warner Springs, California. The pilot was conducting a visual flight rules personal flight to Calexico, California. The airplane, registered to Lewis and Helman Inc., D.B.A. Bud Walen Aviation, Van Nuys, California, sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and neither the certificated private pilot nor his passenger were injured. The flight originated at Van Nuys Airport, Van Nuys, California, with a planned landing at Perris Valley Airport, Perris, California. The flight departed Perris Valley Airport at 1245 hours. The pilot indicated in the aircraft accident report, that he elected to make a precautionary landing in an open field due to thunderstorm activity along his intended route of flight. During the approach to the field, he noticed livestock in the area. After the weather improved, the pilot elected to takeoff. During the initial ground run the airplane struck a cow. The pilot lost control and crashed. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were reported. -