LAX02LA113

Factual narrative

On March 20, 2002, at 1238 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, N7837W, veered off the runway during takeoff and came to rest off the runway at Denio Junction Airport, Denio, Nevada. The private certificated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The personal flight, operated by the owner under 14 CFR Part 91, was destined for Reno/Stead airport, Nevada. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot told the Safety Board investigator that, due to soft/sandy runway conditions, he was performing a soft-field takeoff procedure. Prior to boarding the airplane he walked the runway to assess the surface condition, and determined that the surface wind was favoring a takeoff on runway 7 (3,100 x 150, dirt). Wind conditions were gusty and variable. During the takeoff roll, as the airplane neared liftoff at minimum flying speed, a gust of wind caused the aircraft to veer to the right edge of the runway. He elected to abort the takeoff and the airplane crossed a ditch and came to rest. The pilot reported that due to soft/sandy runway conditions, he was performing a soft-field takeoff procedure. Prior to boarding the airplane, he walked the runway to evaluate the surface condition, and determined that the wind was favoring a takeoff on runway 7. He reported the wind from 080 degrees at 15 knots, gusts to 20 knots. During the takeoff roll, as the airplane neared lift-off at minimum flying speed, a gust of wind caused the aircraft to veer to the right edge of the runway. He elected to abort the takeoff, and the airplane crossed a ditch and came to rest. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12