# NTSB CHI90LA251: Piper PA-28-140, N16504, Elwood, IN, August 31, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 30, 1990, 19:30 local (Aug 31, 1990, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Elwood, IN
- Coordinates: 40.270576, -85.829879 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.2706&lon=-85.8299&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14765
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI90LA251
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14765/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI90LA251

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ABORT TAKEOFF.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Overrun, takeoff - roll/run
  - weather condition - tailwind
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command
  - abort - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - crop

## Analysis

AIRPLANE LOADED WITH PILOT, TWO PASSENGERS AND FULL FUEL LIFTED OFF AND SETTLED BACK TO RUNWAY. PILOT CONTINUED ROLL TO END OF RUNWAY AND PREMATURELY PULLED AIRPLANE INTO THE AIR. LANDING GEAR DRAGGED THROUGH CORN AT END OF RUNWAY AND PLANE MUSHED INTO FIELD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N16504](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N16504-2012-07-19), registration cancelled 2012-07-19, S/N 28-7325287, built 1973 (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: 28-7325287
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Michael E. Garr
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: CFJ, CRAWFORDSVILLE, IN
- Airport: 311, Elwood, runway 18, 2,300 × 300 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 764 total, 525 in this make and model, 707 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: IND, 36 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 19900830037669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900830037669A), Aug 30, 1990: Piper PA28140, Elwood, IN, Substantial damage. Tried to depart short upgrade grass strip near gross and no wind. Settled into tall corn off end of runway.

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.

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