PIPER PA 28R-201

Ruidoso, NM — March 19, 2014

Event Information

DateMarch 19, 2014
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberCEN14CA164
Event ID20140320X02459
LocationRuidoso, NM
CountryUSA
Coordinates33.46556, -105.54861
AirportSIERRA BLANCA RGNL
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakePIPER
ModelPA 28R-201
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None2
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to adjust the engine's fuel-air mixture and decision to takeoff in high density attitude conditions which degraded the airplane's performance.

Full Narrative

The pilot initiated the takeoff roll from runway 30 with the throttle and mixture control in the full forward position. When the airspeed reached 65 knots, the airplane began to climb and the pilot noticed that the airplane was not accelerating. He flew over the departure end of runway 30 at 100 feet and started a shallow left turn. He noticed that the landing gear indicator lights were illuminated green so he adjusted the landing gear lever down and then up again. The green lights remained illuminated. He then decided to fly to runway 6 and make a forced landing. The airplane was still 100 above the ground and began to lose altitude. The pilot made a forced landing straight ahead into a field and the airplane struck several trees. Prior to departure, the fuel tanks were filled with 40 gallons of fuel and the airplane contained 40 pounds of luggage. The calculated density altitude for the flight was about 7,800 feet. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

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.

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