# NTSB MIA86LA050: Piper PA-28-161, N8408F, Leesburg, FL, December 28, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 28, 1985, 09:00 local (14:00 UTC)
- Place: Leesburg, FL
- Location: 28.8108° N, 81.8779° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Leesburg, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.8108&lon=-81.8779&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31561
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA86LA050
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31561/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA86LA050

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
  - lift-off - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper climb rate - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF FROM A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP HIS LEFT MAIN WHEEL HIT A BARBED WIRE FENCE CAUSING THE LEFT WING TO STRIKE THE GROUND & SEPARATE FROM THE ACFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8408F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8408F-2013-05-30), registration cancelled 2013-05-30, S/N 28-8116260, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-28-161
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-161](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-161) (registry code 7102803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-8116260
- Airframe hours: 2401
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Walter Ernest Mcmullan
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 26, 1985, 4 hours before
- Destination: ISM, KISSIMMEE, FL
- Airport: runway 36, 2,640 ×  ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 347 total, 13 in this make and model, 323 as pilot in command, 63 in the last 90 days, 13 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SFB, 35 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 19851228063979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851228063979A), Dec 28, 1985: Piper PA28161, Leesburg, FL, Substantial damage. Long takeoff roll on soft sod strip. Got airborne but left gear hit a fence at runways end, left wing hit ground.

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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