Casualties unknown

Takeoff Aborted After Poor Climb, Aircraft Strikes Snowbank Off Runway End (N4069R)

So. Lake Tahoe, CA, US

On February 7, 1983, a Piper PA-32 (registration N4069R) was involved in an aviation accident near So. Lake Tahoe, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft initiated a downwind takeoff on a wet 8,544-ft runway at 6,264-ft elevation, rotated about 3,000 ft down, climbed to 50 ft AGL, then aborted. It touched down with 2,000 ft remaining but overran, striking a snowbank.

Event Overview

An aircraft began its takeoff roll downwind on Runway 36, which measured 8,544 feet in length and was wet at the time. The airport field elevation was 6,264 feet. According to tower personnel observations, the aircraft rotated approximately 3,000 feet from the start of the runway and subsequently climbed to about 50 feet above ground level (AGL).

Abort and Landing

When the aircraft was not climbing satisfactorily, the pilot decided to abort the takeoff. The aircraft touched down with roughly 2,000 feet of runway remaining. However, the pilot was unable to bring the aircraft to a stop within the remaining distance.

Runway Excursion

After touchdown, the aircraft continued past the runway end and collided with a snowbank. No further details about the aircraft or occupants are provided in the source.

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Feb 1983 Piper PA-32 accident near So. Lake Tahoe, CA?

An aircraft initiated a downwind takeoff on a wet 8,544-ft runway at 6,264-ft elevation, rotated about 3,000 ft down, climbed to 50 ft AGL, then aborted. It touched down with 2,000 ft remaining but overran, striking a snowbank.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Feb 1983 involved a Piper PA-32, registration N4069R, at So. Lake Tahoe, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42238. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.