PIPER PA-28-140
Collegedale, TN — January 14, 2010
Event Information
| Date | January 14, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA10CA114 |
| Event ID | 20100114X44731 |
| Location | Collegedale, TN |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.03972, -85.02194 |
| Airport | Collegedale |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-28-140 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | NITE |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the initial climb after takeoff in dark light conditions.
Full Narrative
The airplane was departing from runway 3, a 4,700-foot-long, 75-foot-wide, asphalt runway, during night visual meteorological conditions. The pilot reported that he lost sight of outside visual references after takeoff, due to darkness, and he was not initially aware that the airplane was turning to the left. He added that he momentarily "did not pay attention" to the airplane's instruments, and when he realized that the airplane was turning, it was "too late." The airplane struck trees located off the left side of the runway, and impacted the ground. After the pilot exited, a post crash fire substantially consumed the airplane. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The pilot's logbook was consumed by fire. He estimated that his total flight experience was 110 hours, which included 10 hours flight in "night" conditions.
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.