# NTSB GAA16CA477: Pacific Aerospace 750XL, N750SS, Warrenton, VA, September 9, 2016

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: September 9, 2016, 12:15 local (16:15 UTC)
- Place: Warrenton, VA
- Coordinates: 38.650833, -77.789718 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.6508&lon=-77.7897&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 14 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 18, 2017
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents
- Parties: FAA
- NTSB case key (mKey): 93995
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA16CA477
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/93995/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=93995
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA477

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to set the wing flaps for takeoff, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, an aborted takeoff, and a runway overrun.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Action: forgotten action/omission](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041035): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Pacific Aerospace 750XL, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041035/cases.md?model=05617YD), [All aircraft, 440 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041035/cases.md)
- [Aircraft capability: takeoff distance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061025): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Pacific Aerospace 750XL, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061025/cases.md?model=05617YD), [All aircraft, 67 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061025/cases.md)
- [Performance/control parameters: configuration](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062017): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Pacific Aerospace 750XL, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062017/cases.md?model=05617YD), [All aircraft, 80 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062017/cases.md)
- [Performance/control parameters: angle of attack](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded (probable cause); cases with it: [Pacific Aerospace 750XL, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md?model=05617YD), [All aircraft, 990 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md)
- [Flight control system: tE flap control system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022750): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Not used/operated (probable cause); cases with it: [Pacific Aerospace 750XL, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022750/cases.md?model=05617YD), [All aircraft, 74 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022750/cases.md)
- [Performance/control parameters: angle of attack](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Capability exceeded; cases with it: [Pacific Aerospace 750XL, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md?model=05617YD), [All aircraft, 990 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062042/cases.md)
- [Object/animal/substance: fence/fence post](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022047): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Pacific Aerospace 750XL, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022047/cases.md?model=05617YD), [All aircraft, 313 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022047/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Takeoff: Stall warn/stick-shaker/pusher](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/430); cases with it: [Pacific Aerospace 750XL, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/430/sequence.md?model=05617YD), [All aircraft, 37 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/430/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff: Aerodynamic stall/spin](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241); cases with it: [Pacific Aerospace 750XL, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md?model=05617YD), [All aircraft, 1,529 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/241/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Loss of control on ground](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230) (defining event); cases with it: [Pacific Aerospace 750XL, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md?model=05617YD), [All aircraft, 4,585 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/230/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Pacific Aerospace 750XL, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=05617YD), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Pacific Aerospace 750XL, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=05617YD), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The pilot reported that this was his third skydiving flight of the day and he performed a back taxi on the runway for takeoff. He further reported that as he rotated the airplane for takeoff, he heard a "steady" stall warning horn, the flight controls felt mushy, and the airplane would not climb. The pilot reported that he aborted the takeoff and applied max braking and reverse thrust, but the airplane overran the runway remaining. Subsequently, the landing gear collapsed and the airplane collided with a fence. The left and right wing sustained substantial damage. After the accident, the pilot reported that he observed the wing flaps in the fully retracted position. He reported that the flaps should have been set to 20 degrees for takeoff. The pilot reported that he forgot to set the flaps during the back taxi for takeoff because he was communicating with other airplanes near the airport. The pilot reported that he did not use a physical checklist, but he did run through a checklist mentally. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

## Factual narrative

The pilot reported that this was his third skydiving flight of the day and he performed a back taxi on the runway for takeoff. He further reported that as he rotated the airplane for takeoff, he heard a "steady" stall warning horn, the flight controls felt mushy, and the airplane would not climb. The pilot reported that he aborted the takeoff and applied max braking and reverse thrust, but the airplane overran the runway remaining. Subsequently, the landing gear collapsed and the airplane collided with a fence. The left and right wing sustained substantial damage. After the accident, the pilot reported that he observed the wing flaps in the fully retracted position. He reported that the flaps should have been set to 20 degrees for takeoff. The pilot reported that he forgot to set the flaps during the back taxi for takeoff because he was communicating with other airplanes near the airport. The pilot reported that he did not use a physical checklist, but he did run through a checklist mentally. The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N750SS](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N750SS), registered now, S/N 115, built 2005 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PACIFIC AEROSPACE CORP LTD 750XL (NO SERIES)
- Registry model: [Pacific Aerospace 750XL](https://openairdocs.org/model/pacific-aerospace-750xl) (registry code 05617YD) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney PT6A series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-pt6a-series) (registry code 52032, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 115
- Year built: 2005
- Engines: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-34 750 horsepower turbo prop
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Skydiving, Part 91
- Operator: D.C. Skydiving Center
- Registered owner: Maxim Aviation LLC
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 7VG0, Warrenton, VA
- Destination: 7VG0, Warrenton, VA
- Airport: 7VG0, Warrenton Air Park, runway 22, 2,215 × 70 ft, grass/turf
- Equipment: Stall warning system, ADS-B, Electronic flight bag or handheld device

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review November 21, 2014; seat: left; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 1,657 total, 229 in this make and model, 1,017 as pilot in command, 197 in the last 90 days, 80 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.97 inHg
- Observed at: KHWY, 5 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 20160909019159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20160909019159A), Sep 9, 2016: Pacific Aerospace Corp Ltd 750XL, Warrenton, VA, Substantial damage. On 9/9/2016 at approximately 1215, N750SS, paccar 750XL attempted to takeoff from Warrenton Air Park on rwy 22 with 13 jumpers on board. Winds were light and…

## Other investigations on N750SS (1)

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.

- [NTSB ERA14LA235](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA235), May 9, 2014: Pacific Aerospace 750XL (N750SS), Warrenton, VA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and separation of the left main landing gear.

## Docket (3 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on November 4, 2016, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=93995. 4.5 MB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40446158&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF
- Additional Passenger Information (item 2, .PDF, 854 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40446159&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Additional%20Passenger%20Information-Master.PDF
- Accident Photos (item 3, .PDF, 1.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40446160&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Photos-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.

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