Piper PA32 N106C accident near Albuquerque, New Mexico

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was taking off to the east with winds at the time of the accident from 060 degrees at 9 knots. The pilot said the airplane made a sudden hard turn to the left just before liftoff. He applied right rudder and right brake but the airplane drifted off of the left side of the runway and the right wing impacted a runway marker sign 130 feet to the left of the runway centerline. The impact caused substantial damage to the right wing, aileron, flap and stabilator. The fuel tank in the right wing ruptured and there was a substantial fuel spill, but no post-impact fire. The pilot and his three passengers were not injured and exited the airplane unassisted. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure with the airplane. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the scene and examined the airplane reported that there were no anomalies with the brake system, nosewheel steering, or flight controls.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA375 for the full record.