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Casualties unknown

Stall and Crash During Departure Due to Mud Hole Avoidance (N42454)

Conneaut, OH, US

On May 11, 1985, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N42454) was involved in an aviation accident near Conneaut, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a turn after takeoff, which resulted in a stall. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot elected to start takeoff 300 feet down the runway to avoid a mud hole. During initial climb, he turned right to avoid trees, causing a stall at 50 feet AGL.

What happened

The pilot decided to begin his takeoff roll approximately 300 feet down the runway because of a mud hole located at that specific point. During the initial climb phase, the pilot became concerned that the aircraft might not clear the trees at the departure end of the runway. To avoid these obstructions, he elected to make a right turn. Subsequently, the aircraft stalled at approximately 50 feet above ground level and crashed.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the loss of control. It was determined that the pilot's decision to initiate takeoff from an offset position and his subsequent maneuvering during the critical low-altitude phase contributed directly to the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a turn after takeoff, which resulted in a stall.
Loss of control in flight

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36406. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.