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Casualties unknown

Pilot's First Maximum Gross Weight Takeoff Ends in Uncontrolled Landing (N15567)

Evansville, IN, US

On March 16, 1988, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N15567) was involved in an aviation accident near Evansville, IN. 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

A pilot conducted a maximum gross weight takeoff from a soft, soggy field with 10 degrees of flaps. The stall warning activated on lift-off, the aircraft climbed to about 50 feet, then lost altitude and airspeed, making an uncontrolled landing in a muddy field half a mile from the airport.

Incident Overview

A pilot attempted a maximum gross weight takeoff from a soft, soggy field with 10 degrees of flaps selected. As the aircraft lifted off, the stall warning activated. The aircraft climbed to approximately 50 feet before beginning to lose altitude and airspeed. It subsequently made an uncontrolled landing in a muddy field located one-half mile from the airport.

Investigation Findings

Investigation determined that the aircraft was at maximum gross weight and that the forward center of gravity limit was exceeded. The aircraft operating manual recommends 25 degrees of flaps for soft field takeoffs. This was the pilot's first experience with a maximum gross weight operation.

Key Details

  • Takeoff conditions: Soft, soggy field
  • Flap setting: 10 degrees (versus manual's recommendation of 25 degrees for soft field takeoffs)
  • Aircraft weight: At maximum gross weight
  • Center of gravity: Forward limit exceeded
  • Altitude reached: Approximately 50 feet
  • Outcome: Uncontrolled landing in a muddy field one-half mile from the airport
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Mar 1988 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Evansville, IN?

A pilot conducted a maximum gross weight takeoff from a soft, soggy field with 10 degrees of flaps. The stall warning activated on lift-off, the aircraft climbed to about 50 feet, then lost altitude and airspeed, making an uncontrolled landing in a muddy field half a mile from the airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Mar 1988 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N15567, at Evansville, IN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25226. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.