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Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Engine Stall During Takeoff from Rawlins, Leading to Off-Airport Landing (N5873U)

Rawlins, WY, US

On August 29, 1988, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N5873U) operated by Smith, Catherine was involved in an aviation accident near Rawlins, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot reported that the engine stalled due to a lack of horsepower to handle the weight of the aircraft at high altitude. 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 and passenger on a cross-country flight made an unscheduled stop at Rawlins due to poor visibility and low fuel. The next morning, after aborting a takeoff the previous day due to high density altitude, the pilot departed and attained a 100 ft/min climb rate before the engine stalled. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during an off-airport landing.

Flight Details

A pilot and passenger were traveling from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Las Vegas, Nevada, in a general aviation aircraft. During the flight, the pilot made an unscheduled stop at Rawlins, Wyoming, due to poor visibility and low fuel. The aircraft was loaded with suitcases, camping gear, coolers, and full fuel. The combined weight of the pilot and passenger was approximately 395 lbs.

Attempted Departure

The pilot attempted to depart from Rawlins the day before the accident but aborted the takeoff due to a high density altitude condition. The following morning, the pilot tried again and successfully departed.

Accident Sequence

After takeoff, the aircraft achieved a rate of climb of 100 feet per minute. The pilot reported that the engine then lost power. The aircraft subsequently made an off-airport landing, during which it sustained substantial damage.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the engine stalled due to "a lack of horsepower to handle the weight of the aircraft at high altitude." The density altitude at the time of the accident was calculated to be approximately 7,427 feet.

Damage

The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the off-airport landing. No further details about the damage were provided.

Probable cause

The pilot reported that the engine stalled due to a lack of horsepower to handle the weight of the aircraft at high altitude.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Aug 1988 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Rawlins, WY?

A pilot and passenger on a cross-country flight made an unscheduled stop at Rawlins due to poor visibility and low fuel. The next morning, after aborting a takeoff the previous day due to high density altitude, the pilot departed and attained a 100 ft/min climb rate before the engine stalled. The aircraft sustained…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Aug 1988 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N5873U, operated by Smith, Catherine, at Rawlins, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot reported that the engine stalled due to a lack of horsepower to handle the weight of the aircraft at high altitude.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26553. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.