14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Monday, June 03, 2013 in West Palm Beach, FL
Probable Cause Approval Date: 07/23/2013
Aircraft: PIPER PA-46-500TP, registration: N21EP
Injuries: 3 Uninjured.
NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.
The pilot stated that he was taxiing to the runway while adjusting the flight instruments for takeoff when the airplane drifted left of the taxiway centerline and struck a culvert. After performing a visual inspection of the airframe and determining that all systems functioned normally, the pilot elected to continue to the runway and complete the flight as planned. The following day, an inspection of the airplane performed by a mechanic revealed substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. He further stated that he should not have started taxiing the airplane or attempted to “multi-task” while taxiing.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot’s diversion of attention while taxiing the airplane, which resulted in his failure to maintain directional control and collision with a ditch.
NTSB Identification: ERA12LA250
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, March 23, 2012 in Wellington, FL
Probable Cause Approval Date: 06/11/2014
Aircraft: PIPER PA46, registration: N21EP
Injuries: 1 Serious.
NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.
A witness reported that the airplane veered left during the takeoff roll and headed toward a large ditch that surrounded the runway. It appeared that the pilot did not attempt to stop the airplane or abort the takeoff. The airplane continued toward the ditch, and, upon reaching the ditch’s edge, the airplane rotated and reached an altitude of about 50 feet. The airplane’s left wing collided with trees. The airplane rolled left and then right before stalling and crashing. The pilot stated that the airplane seemed to pull left on takeoff, possibly due to a right quartering tailwind, and that he did not realize where he was positioned on the runway. Examination of the airplane and engine did not reveal any preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a collision with a tree.
On March 23, 2012, about 1745 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-46-500TP, N21EP, was substantially damaged following a collision with trees at the Wellington Aero Club Airport (FD38), West Palm Beach, Florida. The airline transport pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was registered to Mascaro Air LLC and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
A witness reported that they watched as the airplane began its takeoff roll on runway 33. The witness stated that the winds favored runway 15. As the airplane continued its takeoff roll, it veered to the left and headed towards a large ditch that surrounded the runway. It appeared that no attempts were made to stop the airplane or abort the takeoff. The airplane continued towards the ditch and upon reaching the ditch's edge, the airplane took off, reaching an altitude of approximately 50 feet. The airplane's left wing collided with trees, and the airplane rolled to the left and then right before stalling.
According to the owner of the airplane, the pilot was hired to give him instruction in the airplane. He stated that the airplane had approximately 40 hours of flight time since delivered. The purpose of the flight on the day of the accident was to fly the airplane to another airport for an avionics check. The owner watched as the pilot taxied to the turf runway for takeoff. The airplane lifted off approximately midfield and appeared to have directional and control problems. The airplane climbed to a height of 60-80 feet before brushing into palm trees. The airplane entered a steep downward left turn before impacting the ground.
In a statement from the pilot, he stated that after the accident he had no recollection of the flight due to a concussion. In the months that followed after the accident, knowing the circumstances he stated, that after lining up on runway 33, he applied power and was unable to maintain the airplane on the centerline, since it was not marked. He went on to say that the airplane seemed to pull to the left of the grass runway. He felt that the reason he did not abort the takeoff was because he was not aware of how far left of the centerline the airplane had gone. He also believed that the airplane reached the rotation speed for a soft field takeoff and he decided to lift off. Not realizing how far left he was of the centerline and with a nose high attitude right after takeoff, apparently the airplane brushed the top of a palm tree with the left wing tip and caused the airplane to yaw to the left and he lost control of the airplane.
The Wellington Aero Club Airport is a private airport located 5 miles west of West Palm Beach, Florida. The 4,000 foot by 100 foot lighted turf runway features short, firm Bermuda grass. The runway is oriented 33/15 and is at an elevation of 20 feet.
At 1753 EDT the Palm Beach, FL weather reporting station, located approximately 11 nautical miles east of the accident site, reported winds were 130 degrees at 9 gusting to 16 knots with 10 statute miles of visibility.
Examination of the airplane by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and a representative from Piper revealed that the airplane came to rest inverted on a 320-degree heading on the patio decking of a residential home. All major aircraft components and control surfaces were identified and located at the wreckage site. Flight control continuity was established to all flight control surfaces except for impact and recovery-related cable separations. Fuel was noted around the wreckage site and in the swimming pool. On initial examination the FAA inspector noted that the elevator trim was positioned near maximum nose up. It was also noted that the flaps were in the neutral position for takeoff; review of the flight manual recommends 20 degrees for grass runways.
Examination of the engine revealed that the firewall structure, engine mounts, exhaust stubs, starter/generator, auxiliary alternator, air conditioning pump, torque system, and the cowling remained attached with impact damage and deformation. All airframe to engine connections were connected and intact. Examination of the engine revealed that contact signatures within the internal components showed that it was developing power at the time of impact. Examination of the engine revealed no indications of any preimpact anomalies or distress that would of precluded normal engine operation prior to impact.
NTSB Identification: ERA12LA250
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Friday, March 23, 2012 in Wellington, FL
Aircraft: PIPER PA46, registration: N21EP
Injuries: 1 Serious.
This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.
On March 23, 2012, about 1745 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-46-500TP, N21EP, was substantially damaged following a collision with trees at the Wellington Aero Club Airport (FD38), West Palm Beach, Florida. The certificated airline transport pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was registered to Mascaro Air LLC and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
A witness reported that they watched as the airplane began its takeoff roll on runway 33. The witness stated that the winds favored runway 15. As the airplane continued its takeoff roll, it veered to the left and headed towards a large ditch that surrounded the runway. It appeared that no attempts were made to stop the airplane or abort the takeoff. The airplane continued towards the ditch and upon reaching the ditch’s edge, the airplane took off reaching an altitude of approximately 50 feet. The airplane’s left wing collided with trees. The airplane rolled to the left and then right before stalling.
Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane came to rest inverted. The fuselage was buckled and both wings were broken away from the fuselage. The airplane was recovered for further examination.
With a view of the grass runway from his balcony, Charles Leemon would have had a front-row seat.
"He (crashed) within five feet of the house. He could have been going right through that porch," said Leemon.
His wife, Linda, was home when Steven Jenkey lost control as he was taking off in a six-seat, nearly brand new Piper brand propeller plane.
"She was surprised because there was not a lot of noise," said Leemon. "All of a sudden, there was just a big thud."
He arrived home to the sight of emergency crews and got the scare of his life.
"I knew that when I left, she was walking the dogs. And she walks the dogs right out around the pool. So I'm searching frantically through the house to find out where she is. Fortunately, she had gone next door."
Given the pilot also survived, investigators focused squarely today on the cause of the crash.
The FAA and representatives of the plane manufacturer snapped pictures and interviewed witnesses, including the pilot Steven Jenkey.
Leemon, a pilot himself, has flown several times with Jenkey.
"He's flown for years," said Leemon. "I don't know of anyone else you'd want to get training with. He's just one of the best."
There were signs of a return to normalcy in this community that's based on aviation, as planes lifted off once again from the 4,000 foot grass runway.
There were also graphic reminders of the dangers of flying, despite the fortune of the pilot, and Leemon's wife.
"I don't see how it could have worked out any better."
The owner of the plane tells us that the pilot is expected to be released from Delray Medical Center tomorrow.
Steven Jenkey suffered a concussion and two cracked ribs.
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