MIA04CA002

The pilot said that during the takeoff roll he allowed the airplane to drift to the left of the centerline of the runway 18, and the left wing tip contacted a bale of hay. He said that the impact with the bale caused the airplane to veer about 90 degrees to the left and exit the runway, and after exiting the runway, the airplane impacted another bale of hay, which spun it further to the left incurring damage. According to the pilot, prior to the accident there had been no mechanical failure or malfunction to the airplane or to any of its systems.

On October 12, 2003, about 1150 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-24-260B, N9291P, registered to and operated by a private individual, as a Title 14 CFR 91 personal flight, collided with bale of hay while taking off at Peach Orchard Airport, Archer, Florida. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed. The airline transport-rated pilot and one passenger received no injuries, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll he allowed the airplane to drift to the left of the centerline of the runway 18, and the left wing tip contacted one of the bales of hay which line the sides of the runway. He said that the impact with the bale caused the airplane to veer about 90 degrees to the left and exit the runway, and after exiting the runway, the airplane impacted another bale of hay, which spun the airplane further to the left. The airplane came to rest facing to the northwest, and it had incurred damage to its right wing, right main landing gear, and right side of the fuselage. The pilot further stated that prior to the accident there had been no mechanical failure or malfunction to the airplane or to any of its systems.