Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA28 near Amarillo, TX — 2016-06-30

Final reportGAA16CA359
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Date
2016-06-30
Location
Amarillo, TX, USA
Airport
TDW
Aircraft
PIPER PA28
Registration
N5724F
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to attain an adequate rate of climb, which resulted in off airport landing and substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing.

NTSB narrative

After takeoff from an airport with an air density altitude near 6,400 feet, the pilot reported that he felt the airplane was not producing enough lift during the initial climb, so he considered returning to the airport to land, but saw the stall warning light illuminated and decided to land in a newly developed dirt field straight ahead. The pilot further reported that he continued to "nose over to develop airspeed" and maintained wings level throughout the descent. During the touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed and the fuselage and right wing sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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