Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and his exceedance of the airplane's takeoff capability.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was attempting a takeoff on runway 27 when the airplane overran the runway and impacted terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage, which included a damaged firewall and right wing. The nearest weather reporting station recorded variable winds at 3 knots about 30 minutes after the accident. The pilot and three passengers were uninjured. Examination of the airplane revealed that it was about 131 pounds over gross takeoff weight at the time of the accident. No mechanical anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane was overdue for an annual inspection since it was last inspected in January 2009. The pilot's airman medical certificate was expired after his airman medical application for a third class medical was denied on August 13, 2007.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA147 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 6, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Martinsville, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Mcdaniel'S Field (90IN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-140
- N-number
- N6852W
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.