Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-24-250 near Madison, IN — 2026-03-21

Final reportCEN26LA146
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Date
2026-03-21
Location
Madison, IN, USA
Airport
IMS
Aircraft
PIPER PA-24-250
Registration
N7548P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed during takeoff and exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during the takeoff rotation there was a slight vibration in the airplane and the controls felt “mushy.” The pilot lost aircraft control as the left wing stalled and dropped. The pilot aborted the takeoff and managed to get the wings level before impacting a ditch and coming to rest upright in a field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Airport management personnel reviewed an airport security camera video that captured the accident sequence. The video was consistent with the pilot’s description of the accident.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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