Casualties unknown

1984-02-23: Piper PA-30 (N710SC) — Sarasota, FL

Sarasota, FL, US

On February 23, 1984, a Piper PA-30 (registration N710SC) was involved in an aviation accident near Sarasota, FL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft entered a descending left turn after takeoff, struck wires, a car, a tree, and a building before exploding. A passenger reported the stall warning horn activated twice during initial climb. Investigation found the aircraft was 172 lbs over max gross weight; no mechanical failure was found.

Accident Overview

Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft entered a descending left turn. During this turn, the aircraft struck a wire, a car, and a tree before contacting a building and subsequently exploding. The explosion occurred within seconds after the impact with the building.

Sequence of Events

A passenger on board reported that the stall warning horn had activated at least twice during the initial takeoff climb, prior to the aircraft entering the descending left turn. The pilot had requested an intersection takeoff, and investigation revealed that approximately 3,600 feet of usable runway was available at that point.

Investigation Findings

Weight and balance calculations indicated that the aircraft was approximately 172 pounds over its maximum gross weight at the time of takeoff. No mechanical failure or malfunction was found during the investigation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38847. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.