# NTSB GAA16CA390: Piper PA46, N9111P, Claremore, OK, July 22, 2016 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: July 22, 2016, 11:45 local (16:45 UTC) - Place: Claremore, OK - Coordinates: 36.288887, -95.478332 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2889&lon=-95.4783&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 4 uninjured - Status: Completed, report September 12, 2016 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 93685 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA16CA390 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/93685/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=93685 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA390 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff after multiple climb attempts at insufficient airspeed, which resulted in a runway excursion, a landing gear collapse, and a collision with a ditch. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-46-310P, 13 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=7104605), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-46-310P, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=7104605), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: angle of attack](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded; cases with it: [Piper PA-46-310P, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md?model=7104605), [All aircraft, 990 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: airspeed](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained; cases with it: [Piper PA-46-310P, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md?model=7104605), [All aircraft, 1,681 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062010/cases.md) - [Temp/humidity/pressure: high temperature](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031015): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Piper PA-46-310P, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031015/cases.md?model=7104605), [All aircraft, 30 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031015/cases.md) - [Temp/humidity/pressure: high density altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031020): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Piper PA-46-310P, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031020/cases.md?model=7104605), [All aircraft, 278 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031020/cases.md) - [Terrain](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021000): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Piper PA-46-310P, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021000/cases.md?model=7104605), [All aircraft, 267 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021000/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Other weather encounter](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400); cases with it: [Piper PA-46-310P, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md?model=7104605), [All aircraft, 1,127 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/400/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241); cases with it: [Piper PA-46-310P, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md?model=7104605), [All aircraft, 1,529 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-46-310P, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=7104605), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Piper PA-46-310P, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=7104605), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490); cases with it: [Piper PA-46-310P, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=7104605), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) - [Takeoff: Landing gear collapse](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094); cases with it: [Piper PA-46-310P, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094/sequence.md?model=7104605), [All aircraft, 1,787 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that he was performing the takeoff on a taxiway, due to a notice to airmen (NOTAM) in effect which closed the sole runway at the airport and allowed takeoff's and landing's from the parallel taxiway. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported that the airplane hit a "dip" in the pavement and became airborne unintentionally. The pilot further reported that he heard the stall warning horn and pitched forward, but the airplane drifted off to the left into a ditch and the nose and main landing gear collapsed. The left and right wings were substantially damaged. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport manager provided video surveillance of the takeoff. The video showed that about 2,050 feet into the takeoff roll, the airplane pitched up, the nose and left main landing gear became airborne, but the airplane did not climb. Subsequently, the airplane touched back down and attempted to become airborne a second time about 300 feet further into the takeoff roll. The airplane's nose and main landing gear monetarily became airborne, but the airplane quickly touched back down and moved out of camera view. The pilot reported that the takeoff weight was about 1 pound under the maximum allowable takeoff weight and he was attempting to perform a short field takeoff technique. The density altitude about the time of departure was 3,168 feet, the pressure altitude was 579 feet, and the temperature was 93 Fahrenheit (34 Celsius). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides guidance on how density altitude affects aircraft performance. According to the FAA Koch Chart, the airplane would have likely experienced a 35% increase to the normal takeoff distance and a 25% decrease in a normal climb rate. The FAA Airplane Flying Handbook in part states: "Due to the reduced drag in ground effect, the airplane may seem to be able to take off below the recommended airspeed. However, as the airplane rises out of ground effect with an insufficient airspeed, initial climb performance may prove to be marginal because of the increased drag. Under conditions of high-density altitude, high temperature, and/or maximum gross weight, the airplane may be able to become airborne at an insufficient airspeed, but unable to climb out of ground effect. Consequently, the airplane may not be able to clear obstructions, or may settle back on the runway." It is likely that the pilot exceeded the critical angle of attack during the two initial climbs and the airplane did not exit ground effect due to insufficient airspeed at rotation. ## Factual narrative The pilot reported that he was performing the takeoff on a taxiway, due to a notice to airmen (NOTAM) in effect which closed the sole runway at the airport and allowed takeoff's and landing's from the parallel taxiway. During the takeoff roll, the pilot reported that the airplane hit a "dip" in the pavement and became airborne unintentionally. The pilot further reported that he heard the stall warning horn and pitched forward, but the airplane drifted off to the left into a ditch and the nose and main landing gear collapsed. The left and right wings were substantially damaged. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The airport manager provided video surveillance of the takeoff. The video showed that about 2,050 feet into the takeoff roll, the airplane pitched up, the nose and left main landing gear became airborne, but the airplane did not climb. Subsequently, the airplane touched back down and attempted to become airborne a second time about 300 feet further into the takeoff roll. The airplane's nose and main landing gear monetarily became airborne, but the airplane quickly touched back down and moved out of camera view. The pilot reported that the takeoff weight was about 1 pound under the maximum allowable takeoff weight and he was attempting to perform a short field takeoff technique. The density altitude about the time of departure was 3,168 feet, the pressure altitude was 579 feet, and the temperature was 93 Fahrenheit (34 Celsius). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides guidance on how density altitude affects aircraft performance. According to the FAA Koch Chart, the airplane would have likely experienced a 35% increase to the normal takeoff distance and a 25% decrease in a normal climb rate. The FAA Airplane Flying Handbook in part states: "Due to the reduced drag in ground effect, the airplane may seem to be able to take off below the recommended airspeed. However, as the airplane rises out of ground effect with an insufficient airspeed, initial climb performance may prove to be marginal because of the increased drag. Under conditions of high-density altitude, high temperature, and/or maximum gross weight, the airplane may be able to become airborne at an insufficient airspeed, but unable to climb out of ground effect. Consequently, the airplane may not be able to clear obstructions, or may settle back on the runway." It is likely that the pilot exceeded the critical angle of attack during the two initial climbs and the airplane did not exit ground effect due to insufficient airspeed at rotation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N9111P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9111P), registered now, S/N 4608084, built 1987 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA46 (310P) - Registry model: [Piper PA-46-310P](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-46-310p) (registry code 7104605) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-520-series) (registry code 17040, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 4608084 - Year built: 1987 - Airframe hours: 3011.2 - Engines: Continental TSIO-520-BE 300 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 12, 2016 - Departed: GCM, Claremore, OK - Destination: ICT, WICHITA, KS - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: GCM, Claremore Rgnl, runway NA, 5,000 × 35 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Stall warning system, Onboard weather, Auto-pilot ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 62; injuries: none; flight instructor, airline transport, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, waiver time limited special; last flight review July 31, 2015; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 5,283.7 total, 33.5 in this make and model, 5,060 as pilot in command, 43 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 200° at 8 knots, gusting 14 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 68 °F - Altimeter: 30.09 inHg - Observed at: KGCM ## 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 20160722012499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20160722012499A), Jul 22, 2016: Piper PA-46-310P, Claremore, OK, Substantial damage. After landing at kgcm, pilot added fuel and (1) passenger and was in route to wichita, Kansas. Prior to departure the pilot was advised by FBO manager that… ## Docket (7 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 30, 2016, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=93685. 3.8 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 901 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40443950&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation (Pilot in Command) (item 2, .PDF, 60 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40443951&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20(Pilot%20in%20Command)-Master.PDF - NTSB Video Surveillance Overview (item 3, .PDF, 881 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40443952&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB%20Video%20Surveillance%20Overview-Master.PDF - NTSB Density Altitude Koch Chart Calculations (item 4, .PDF, 164 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40443953&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB%20Density%20Altitude%20Koch%20Chart%20Calculations-Master.PDF - NTSB Airplane Takeoff Performance Weight and Balance Calculations (item 5, .PDF, 450 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40443954&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB%20Airplane%20Takeoff%20Performance%20Weight%20and%20Balance%20Calculations-Master.PDF - FAA Airplane Flying Handbook Ground Effect (item 6, .PDF, 339 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40443955&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Airplane%20Flying%20Handbook%20Ground%20Effect-Master.PDF - Accident Photos (Courtesy of Operator) (item 7, .PDF, 3 photos, 1.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40443956&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Photos%20(Courtesy%20of%20Operator)-Master.PDF 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.