Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-24 near Prescott, AZ — 2009-08-17

Final reportWPR09FA400
Sign in to save
Date
2009-08-17
Location
Prescott, AZ, USA
Airport
PRC
Aircraft
PIPER PA-24
Registration
N6304P
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering to return to the runway at a high density altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB narrative

During the initial climb after takeoff, the pilot told the air traffic controller that he needed to return to the airport but did not say what the issue was. The controller approved the pilot’s request; there were no further communications. Several witnesses at different locations around the accident area reported watching the airplane flying slowly, low above the runway, in a relatively steep nose-up pitch attitude before making a left turn that increased in bank angle before the airplane stalled and impacted the ground. A postcrash fire largely consumed the airplane; however, postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be about 7,900 feet. High density altitude adversely affects airplane climb performance and requires pilot vigilance to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff and climb.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when the aircraft was not gaining altitude.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents15

Related mishaps