Casualties unknown

Aircraft Fails to Climb and Collides with Road and Fence After Takeoff (N6842J)

San Antonio, TX, US

On September 6, 1984, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N6842J) operated by Ben Galindo was involved in an aviation accident near San Antonio, TX. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff, the aircraft did not climb above 25-50 ft. The pilot reported the engine felt loaded down. A stall warning sounded; the pilot lowered the nose. The aircraft touched down 555 ft beyond the runway, its landing gear collapsed by a road edge, and it struck fencing. A serious induction icing threat was present.

Accident Summary

Following the initiation of takeoff, the aircraft did not achieve a climb altitude greater than 25 to 50 feet above ground level. The pilot communicated that the engine exhibited a feeling of being loaded down. An auditory stall warning horn sounded, alerting the pilot to a potential stall. In response, the pilot directed everyone on board to "hang on" while he reduced the pitch attitude by lowering the aircraft's nose.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft made initial ground contact approximately 555 feet beyond the departure end of the runway. Subsequently, the aircraft encountered a road, where the edge of the road surface caused the landing gear to collapse. The aircraft then proceeded across the road and impacted a fence, which brought the aircraft to a halt.

Environmental Conditions

The accident sequence occurred during a period when a serious induction icing threat was present in the environment.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Sept 1984 Piper PA-28-140 accident near San Antonio, TX?

After takeoff, the aircraft did not climb above 25-50 ft. The pilot reported the engine felt loaded down. A stall warning sounded; the pilot lowered the nose. The aircraft touched down 555 ft beyond the runway, its landing gear collapsed by a road edge, and it struck fencing. A serious induction icing threat was…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Sept 1984 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N6842J, operated by Ben Galindo, at San Antonio, TX.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41067. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.