On August 26, 1984, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N3573X) operated by Redwood Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Truckee, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff in high density altitude conditions, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with a tree stump. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A light aircraft veered left and stalled shortly after liftoff at high density altitude, resulting in the right main landing gear striking a tree stump on the runway environment.
What happened
The pilot reported rotating the aircraft at 65 knots, with liftoff occurring at approximately 70 knots. Shortly after leaving the ground, the aircraft veered to the left and the stall warning horn activated. In response, the pilot lowered the pitch attitude, causing the aircraft to begin settling toward the ground. During this descent, the right main landing gear struck a tree stump.
The investigation
Post-accident calculations determined that the density altitude at the time of the event was 8,200 feet. The weight of the aircraft was calculated to be approximately 383 pounds below its maximum gross weight limit.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff in high density altitude conditions, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with a tree stump.
What happened in the 26 Aug 1984 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Truckee, CA?
A light aircraft veered left and stalled shortly after liftoff at high density altitude, resulting in the right main landing gear striking a tree stump on the runway environment.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Aug 1984 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N3573X, operated by Redwood Aviation, at Truckee, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during takeoff in high density altitude conditions, which resulted in a stall and subsequent impact with a tree stump.
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