Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control during an aborted takeoff for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that just prior to becoming airborne, a cockpit aural alarm sounded and the manifold pressure was approximately one inch above its maximum limit. He elected to abort the takeoff and applied the brakes. The airplane veered to the left and he concluded that the right brake was not functioning correctly. In response, he attempted to correct the drift using right rudder application. The airplane exited the left side of the runway and collided with sand dunes and vegetation. The reported failure of the right brake was not able to be confirmed and no cause for such a failure was observed.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10LA092 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 6, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hatteras, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Billy Mitchell (HSE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-32R
- N-number
- N5319J
- 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.