# NTSB CHI99LA117: Piper PA-32-300, N66BH, Marquette, MI, March 27, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: March 27, 1999, 12:44 local (17:44 UTC) - Place: Marquette, MI - Coordinates: 46.550033, -87.389556 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.5500&lon=-87.3896&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 6 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 12, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 45976 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI99LA117 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/45976/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99LA117 ## Probable cause the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions which resulted in his failure to maintain directional control. Factors associated with the accident were the gusty crosswind conditions and the taxiway sign which the airplane contacted. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor) - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor) - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run - object - sign (contributing factor) ## Analysis The takeoff was being conducted on runway 26 with local winds from 230 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The pilot reported the airplane veered off the left side of the runway during the takeoff roll, just prior to liftoff. He stated he reduced the throttle at which time he saw a taxiway sign in front of him so he advanced the throttle. He stated that the airplane cleared this sign, but contacted another sign. He stated he pulled the power back and the main landing gear caught in the snow spinning the airplane around. ## Factual narrative On March 27, 1999, at 1244 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32- 300, N66BH, operated by a private pilot collided with a taxiway sign following a loss of directional control while takeoff off from the Marquette County Airport, Marquette, Michigan. The private pilot and five passengers were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident with a planned destination of Pellston, Michigan. The takeoff was being conducted on runway 26 (6,500'x150'). The local winds reported eight minutes after the accident were from 230 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 20 knots. The pilot reported the airplane veered off the left side of the runway during the takeoff roll, just prior to liftoff. He stated he reduced the throttle at which time he saw a taxiway sign in front of him so he advanced the throttle. He stated that the airplane cleared this sign, but contacted another sign. He stated he pulled the power back and the main landing gear caught in the snow spinning the airplane around. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N66BH](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N66BH), registered now, S/N 32-7940067, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-32-300 - Registry model: [Piper PA-32-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-300) (registry code 7103212) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 32-7940067 - Airframe hours: 2300 - Engines: Lycoming IO-540 300 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Scott Keoman - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1999, 100 hours before - Departed: MQT - Destination: PLN, PELLSTON, MI - Airport: MQT, Marquette County, runway 26, 6,500 × 150 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 135 total, 53 in this make and model, 70 as pilot in command, 55 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 230° at 13 knots, gusting 20 - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 19 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: MQT ## 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 19990327002759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990327002759A), Mar 27, 1999: Piper PA32300, Marquette, MI, Substantial damage. (.19) On March 27, 1999, at 1244 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32-300, N66BH, operated by a private pilot collided with a taxiway sign following a loss of… 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.