Piper PA28 N317LB

Summary

On 14 August 2020 at about 18:35 local time, a Piper PA28 registered N317LB, operated by Trail Of 140 Tears LLC, was involved in an accident near Harlowton, Montana, 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

14 August 2020 at 18:35

Classification

Accident

Location

Harlowton, Montana, United States

Nearest airport

Wheatland County At Harlowton (HWQ)

Coordinates

46.4486, -109.8528

Aircraft

Piper PA28

Registration

N317LB

Category

Airplane

Year built

1970

Engines

1

Operator

Trail Of 140 Tears LLC

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Harlowton → White Sulfur Sp

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR20LA278

4 people had minor injuries.

The pilot’s failure to follow the appropriate takeoff procedures, which resulted in a collision with terrain.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot conducted a short-field takeoff in high density altitude conditions, with the airplane close to, or slightly above its maximum gross weight. During the initial climb, the airplane accelerated to best rate-of-climb speed, but it descended back to the ground, collided with a fence, and nosed over. In the days leading up to the flight, the pilot had expressed concern that the engine was not producing maximum power, so he had it examined by an airframe and powerplant mechanic. The mechanic stated that both the engine and tachometer were operating appropriately. The pilot told investigators that it was his habit to take his hand off the throttle during takeoffs and place both hands on the yoke. Postaccident examination revealed that the, throttle was found slightly aft of the full-forward position, the carburetor heat control was partially backed out, and the flaps were extended. It is likely the throttle backed out during takeoff and engine performance was further reduced by the carburetor heat control being partially backed out. Additionally, the airplane procedures for a short field-takeoff called for the slow retraction of the flaps after takeoff. The circumstances of the accident are consistent with a loss of climb performance occurring after a heavyweight, high density altitude takeoff due the pilot’s failure to properly set and monitor the engine controls and retract the flaps as required.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.