Probable cause
The pilot’s loss of directional control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, he attempted to close a window vent and the airplane veered off the left side of the runway. He aborted the takeoff and taxied back for takeoff; he examined the airplane before takeoff and did not see any damage. After landing, he secured the airplane in the club hangar. During a flying club meeting 4 days later, the pilot observed damage to the right wing; subsequent examination revealed substantial damage to the wing spar. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane before the runway excursion.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12CA368 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 21, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mcminnville, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Mcminnville Municipal Airport (MMV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-140
- N-number
- N8154N
- 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.