# NTSB MIA96LA216: Piper PA-28-140, N7061R, Williamson, GA, August 24, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 24, 1996, 17:10 local (21:10 UTC) - Place: Williamson, GA - Coordinates: 33.179679, -84.359367 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.1797&lon=-84.3594&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report December 16, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 38077 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA96LA216 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/38077/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA96LA216 ## Probable cause The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during takeoff. ## 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 - elevator - improper use of, pilot in command (contributing factor) - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - aborted - object - tree(s) ## Analysis During takeoff the pilot held aft elevator control. The aircraft drifted right of the runway center line. The pilot corrected to the left and the aircraft continued to drift to the left. Attempts to correct the drift were unsuccessful and the pilot aborted the takeoff. The left wing contacted brush off the left side of the runway and the aircraft veered to the left. The aircraft collided with a tree off the left side of the runway and came to rest. ## Factual narrative On August 24, 1996, about 1710 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N7061R, registered to a private individual, collided with trees after aborting a takeoff at Eagles Landing Airport, Williamson, Georgia, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot and one passenger received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated this was the first time he has taken off from a sod strip. At the beginning of the takeoff he began holding aft elevator control. During the takeoff roll he realized the aircraft was to the right of the runway center line. He used left rudder to move toward the center line and then right rudder to keep the aircraft going straight. The aircraft continued to the left down the crown of the runway, toward the runway edge. Attempts to correct the left drift using right rudder and aileron were unsuccessful and the takeoff was aborted. He did not apply the brakes for fear the aircraft would slide into the trees off the left side of the runway. The left wing tip contacted brush and the aircraft veered to the left. The aircraft went off the side of the runway and collided with a tree where it came to rest. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N7061R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7061R-2000-07-19), registration cancelled 2000-07-19, S/N 28-21761, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-28-140 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-21761 - Airframe hours: 2622 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Brenda C. Lee - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 18, 1996, 33 hours before - Departed: 5GA3 - Destination: CTJ, CARROLLTON, GA - Airport: 5GA3, Eagles Landing, runway 18, 3,000 × 100 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 134 total, 34 in this make and model, 75 as pilot in command, 35 in the last 90 days, 24 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 310° at 6 knots - Visibility: 4 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 68 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: FFC, 20 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 19960824024009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960824024009A), Aug 24, 1996: Piper PA28140, Williamson, GA, Substantial damage. Aircraft ran off the runway on takeoff and struck trees. 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.