# NTSB CHI00LA208: Piper PA-28-140, N4435J, Warrensburg, MO, July 18, 2000 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 18, 2000, 12:15 local (17:15 UTC) - Place: Warrensburg, MO - Coordinates: 38.74974, -93.71907 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.7497&lon=-93.7191&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 3 minor - Status: Completed, report October 17, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 49748 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI00LA208 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/49748/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI00LA208 ## Probable cause inadequate airspeed on takeoff that resulted in a stall/mush condition. Factors associated with the accident were the wet, grass runway, and the trees near the departure end of the runway. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - grass (contributing factor) - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - wet (contributing factor) - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor) - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - proper climb rate - not attained, pilot in command - object - tree(s) (contributing factor) - maneuver to avoid obstructions - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor) - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - stall/mush - encountered, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled ## Analysis The pilot reported that after lifting off 2/3 to 5/8 the way down the 2,600-foot long grass, wet runway, the airspeed did not seem to increase and the airplane was not climbing like normal. He stated he lowered the nose and entered a shallow left turn toward an open area to avoid trees in front of him. The pilot reported that upon completing the turn, he leveled the wings and brought the yoke to a "normal to slightly aft" position. He reported, "at that point we lost all lift and impacted left wing low and on the nose wheel-which collapsed." The pilot reported the engine sounded fine and there were no mechanical failures/malfunctions with the airplane. According to a PA-28-140 Owner's Handbook the useful load for the airplane is 949 pounds. The pilot reported a combined weight of 580 pounds for himself and his passengers. He also reported he had 32 gallons of fuel onboard. Density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be 2222 feet. According to a PA-28-140 Owner's Handbook, on a standard day, using a paved runway, at gross weight, the takeoff distance to clear a 50 foot obstacle is approximately 2200 feet. ## Factual narrative On July 18, 2000, at 1215 central daylight time, N4435J, a Piper PA-28-140, collided with the terrain following a loss of control during the initial takeoff climb from the Short Air Airstrip, Warrensburg, Missouri. The takeoff was being conducted to the northwest on the private 2,600 foot long, wet grass airstrip. The private pilot and two passengers on board received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident with a destination of Lee's Summit, Missouri. The pilot reported he began the takeoff roll approximately 50 feet from the end of the runway. He stated he used a short field/soft field technique with 15 degrees of flaps. The pilot reported the airplane became airborne at a distance 2/3 to 5/8 down the runway. He stated the airplane climbed slightly and "...the speed didn't seem to be increasing and we weren't climbing like normal-engine sounded fine...." He stated they were approaching an area of trees, which they were not going be able to clear, but there was an open area west of the runway. The pilot reported he lowered the nose of the airplane to maintain airspeed and entered a shallow left turn toward the open area. He stated that after completing the turn he returned the yoke to "normal to slightly aft." The pilot reported, "at that point we lost all lift and impacted left wing low and on the nose wheel-which collapsed." The pilot completed an NTSB Form 6120.1/2 on which he reported there were no mechanical failures/malfunctions with the airplane. According to a PA-28-140 Owner's Handbook the useful load for the airplane is 949 pounds. The pilot reported a combined weight of 580 pounds for himself and his passengers. He also reported he had 32 gallons of fuel onboard. An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration Kansas City Flight Standards District Office reported the airstrip was wet at the time of the accident. Using a field elevation of 840 feet, an outside air temperature of 78 degrees, and a barometric pressure of 29.98 inches of mercury, density altitude was calculated to 2222 feet. According to a PA-28-140 Owner's Handbook, on a standard day, using a paved runway, at gross weight, the takeoff distance to clear a 50 foot obstacle is approximately 2200 feet. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4435J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4435J-2013-10-31), registration cancelled 2013-10-31, S/N 28-22839, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-28-140 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-22839 - Engines: Lycoming O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Timothy R. Jones - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: 1MU4 - Destination: LXT, LEES SUMMIT, MO - Airport: 1MU4, Short Air, runway 31, 2,600 × 50 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 458 total, 250 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: variable at 6 knots - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken - Temperature: 172 °F, dew point 158 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: SZL, 14 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20000718010579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000718010579A), Jul 18, 2000: Piper PA28140, Warrensburg, MO, No damage. (-23) Aircraft departed on runway 33. This is a 2600 ft grass runway. This area had received rain the day before which left the ground somewhat soft. Actual… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.