Probable cause
The pilot’s delayed aborted takeoff that resulted in a runway overrun and impact with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that during a takeoff from a wet grass airstrip, he glanced down at a point down the runway that had a reduction in elevation. When he looked back up, his perception of the tree height at the end of the runway increased. He stated that he aborted the takeoff even though the airplane attained rotation speed. The airplane slid about 1,200 ft down and off the runway end and impacted trees and terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot stated there was no mechanical malfunction/failure of the airplane that would have precluded normal operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA307 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 4, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Frankston, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Aero Estates Airport (T25)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-32RT-300T
- N-number
- N25RC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- 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.