Primary finding
Probable cause
A misjudged soft field takeoff. Factors include wet grass.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that shortly after becoming airborne after takeoff, he believed that he would be unable to clear the trees at the departure end of the runway. After aborting the takeoff, the aircraft overran the departure end of the runway. The airplane's right landing gear was pushed up through the wing and the nose gear collapsed. The pilot noted that the runway surface was wet, with fairly fresh mowed grass, which he believed was a contributing factor to a longer than normal takeoff run. He noted that he inspected the aircraft immediately after the accident and he found a lot of grass in the wheel pants.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 19, 1997, at 1635 Pacific daylight time, N5987F, a Piper PA-28-151, was substantially damaged during overrun after an aborted takeoff. The private pilot and his passenger were uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. There was no report of the ELT actuating. The pilot told FAA inspectors that shortly after becoming airborne after takeoff, he believed that he would be unable to clear the trees at the departure end of the runway. After aborting the takeoff the aircraft overran the departure end of the runway. The airplane's right landing gear was pushed up through the wing and the nose gear collapsed. The pilot noted that the runway surface was wet, with fairly fresh mowed grass, which he believed was a contributing factor to a longer than normal takeoff run. He noted that he inspected the aircraft immediately after the accident and he found a lot of grass in the wheel pants. -