Casualties unknown

Piper PA-24 Crash After Takeoff at Yuma Airport Avoiding Traffic (N6096P)

Yuma, CO, US

On June 24, 1985, a Piper PA-24-180 (registration N6096P) was involved in an aviation accident near Yuma, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual separation from another aircraft during takeoff, which resulted in loss of control and impact with the ground. 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 Piper PA-24 crashed immediately after takeoff from Yuma Arpt on June 23, 1985, while the pilot attempted to avoid another aircraft. The plane impacted the ground following a sharp right turn and forward control input.

What happened

On June 23, 1985, Piper PA-24 N-number registration was involved in an accident at Yuma Arpt. The aircraft crashed immediately after takeoff while the pilot was attempting to avoid another aircraft in the vicinity.

The pilot executed a right turn shortly after becoming airborne. During this maneuver, the pilot observed traffic ahead and pushed the control wheel forward. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground.

The other aircraft involved was identified as a cropduster. The pilot of the cropduster stated that the two aircraft were approximately one-quarter mile apart at their closest point of approach.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain visual separation from another aircraft during takeoff, which resulted in loss of control and impact with the ground.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36762. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.