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Where were going, we dont need roads

The private pilot/owner planned to fly to at least two back country airports in a neighboring state. His first destination was an unpaved USFS strip. The runway, oriented 11/29, was reported to be 2765 feet long and 50 feet wide. It was located in a narrow valley, and situated about 30 feet southwest of the main road that transited the valley. An unpaved road exited the main road immediately southeast of the threshold of Runway 29, and then turned northwest to initially merge with the runway. About 300 feet northwest of the threshold, the unpaved road diverged slightly southwest of the runway, before assuming a track separate from but parallel to the runway.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A private pilot mistakenly attempted takeoff from an unpaved road conjoined with the runway instead of the runway itself at a back country airport.
  • During the erroneous takeoff, the aircraft struck a hole and then trees, resulting in substantial damage, though the pilot was uninjured.
  • The confusion was attributed to an unpaved road merging with the runway at the takeoff threshold, a condition not adequately documented in existing flight materials.
  • Following the incident, a cautionary note regarding the road was added to the airport's facility directory to prevent future confusion.
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The private pilot/owner planned to fly to at least two back country airports in a neighboring state. His first destination was an unpaved USFS strip. The runway, oriented 11/29, was reported to be 2765 feet long and 50 feet wide. It was located in a narrow valley, and situated about 30 feet southwest of the main road that transited the valley. An unpaved road exited the main road immediately southeast of the threshold of Runway 29, and then turned northwest to initially merge with the runway. About 300 feet northwest of the threshold, the unpaved road diverged slightly southwest of the runway, before assuming a track separate from but parallel to the runway.

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