Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that about 700 feet into the takeoff roll, the airplane began to drift left as he approached the narrowest part of the runway. The airplane departed the runway to the left, impacted trees, and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot and sole passenger sustained minor injuries.
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA047 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 22, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hartwell, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Airnautique, Inc. (0GA2)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 16
- N-number
- N5616H
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1949
- 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.