PIPER PA32
Albuquerque, NM — July 6, 2010
Event Information
| Date | July 6, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN10CA375 |
| Event ID | 20100708X60022 |
| Location | Albuquerque, NM |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.03722, -106.60555 |
| Airport | Albuquerque Intl Sunport Airpo |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA32 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 4 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff.
Full Narrative
The pilot was taking off to the east on a 13,793 feet long by 150 feet wide concrete runway. The winds reported at the time of the accident were from 060 degrees at 9 knots. The pilot said the airplane made a sudden hard turn to the left just before liftoff. He applied right rudder and right brake but the airplane drifted off of the left side of the runway and the right wing impacted a runway marker sign 130 feet to the left of the runway centerline. The impact caused substantial damage to the right wing, aileron, flap and stabilator. The fuel tank in the right wing ruptured and there was a substantial fuel spill, but no post-impact fire. The pilot and his three passengers were not injured and exited the airplane unassisted. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure with the airplane. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who responded to the scene and examined the airplane reported that there were no anomalies with the brake system, nose wheel steering, or flight controls.
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.