Piper PA-22 N200HA

Summary

On 31 May 1998 at about 00:20 local time, a Piper PA-22 registered N200HA was involved in an accident near Balko, Oklahoma, United States. 4 people were on board and 4 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

31 May 1998 at 00:20

Classification

Accident

Location

Balko, Oklahoma, United States

Coordinates

36.6294, -100.6801

Aircraft

Piper PA-22

Registration

N200HA

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Unknown → Sylvia

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW98LA250

4 people had minor injuries.

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning which failed to assure adequate climb performance to clear an obstacle (fence) during takeoff climb.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

During the initial takeoff climb from a pasture, the airplane's main landing gear struck and severed the top wire on a barbed wire fence. The wire 'flipped up' and bent the inboard section of the right aileron down. The pilot was then unable to prevent the airplane from turning left and made a decision to land immediately. He 'forced' the airplane down, impacting on the left wing tip and left main gear. The pilot reported that he had examined the takeoff area before the flight and determined a point at which he would abort the takeoff if not airborne. The airplane lifted off at the pre-determined point, but would not climb out of ground effect. According to the pilot, the wind was gusty, and it was possible the airplane lifted off at the peak of a gust. The pilot also stated that it was hot (93 degrees F) and the density altitude (5,700 feet) was a factor which he had considered in his takeoff planning. He indicated that 'a later departure for cooler temp[erature] or leaving a passenger behind' could have prevented the accident.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.