PIPER PA-28-181
Santa Barbara, CA — January 26, 2012
Event Information
| Date | January 26, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR12CA083 |
| Event ID | 20120127X53748 |
| Location | Santa Barbara, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.42611, -119.84139 |
| Airport | Santa Barbara Municipal |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-28-181 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot did not maintain directional control during takeoff.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that after aligning the airplane with the runway centerline and adding full power, the airplane accelerated and then began to veer to the left. The pilot further said that he immediately added right rudder to correct for the deviation but the airplane did not respond to the control input. The pilot stated that he then elected to abort the takeoff, but seeing runway signs in his path he added full power again in an attempt to get airborne to avoid colliding with the signs. After becoming airborne the airplane impacted an airport sign with its right main landing gear and right stabilator, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. Neither the pilot nor a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, who examined the airplane after the accident, reported any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies. The pilot added that he was using runway 25 at the time of the accident, that the wind was 250 degrees at 8 knots, and that there were no gust reported.
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.