PIPER PA-30
Rockport, TX, July 17, 2008
Event Information
| Date | July 17, 2008 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Rockport, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 28.08528, -97.04000 |
| Airport | Aransas County Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
| NTSB Number | DFW08CA193 |
| Event ID | 20081007X05237 |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-30 |
| Registration # | N44HM |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 3 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to complete all cockpit checklist items prior to takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to properly configure the landing gear switch.
Full Narrative
The pilot was on the takeoff roll at approximately 90 knots when he took his hands off the throttles and began applying back pressure for liftoff. Almost immediately the aircraft began to sink, followed by the sounds of the props striking the runway. All three landing gear were partially retracted as the airplane slid along the runway surface and came to a stop with resulting substantial damage to the belly structure. The pilot and both passengers were not injured. After the accident, the pilot discovered that he had inadvertently left the landing gear switch in the "up" position while completing other items in the cockpit checklist. During the recovery operations the airplane was then jacked and the gear was lowered normally.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.