Piper PA46 N747DA accident near Santa Teresa, New Mexico

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to attempt to take off in an overweight airplane in high density altitude conditions, which resulted in the airplane’s inability to climb, an aborted takeoff, and a subsequent runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot and five passengers were departing the airport on an international cross-country flight. The pilot attempted an intersection takeoff in high density altitude conditions over the airplane's maximum gross weight. The airplane would not become airborne, so the pilot back taxied and attempted to take off on the full length of another runway. The airplane lifted off but was not climbing, so the pilot lowered the nose and the airplane hit the runway hard. The airplane veered right and exited the runway surface, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation and that he attempted the takeoff in an overweight airplane at a high density altitude. Calculations showed that the airplane's maximum gross takeoff weight was exceeded by at least 300 lbs, and the density altitude was about 6,900 ft.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN18LA383 for the full record.