FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Piper Aircraft Collides with Parked Cessna 172 During Takeoff, Both Destroyed by Fire (N8172P)

Danielson, CT, US

On November 26, 1988, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N8172P) was involved in an aviation accident near Danielson, CT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO RECOGNIZE A STALL AND TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTION PRIOR TO EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF CONTROL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, a Piper aircraft dropped its right wing and veered right, struck the ground, and cartwheeled onto a parked unoccupied Cessna 172. All four occupants escaped before a fire broke out and destroyed both aircraft.

Accident Sequence

A Piper aircraft initiated a takeoff. Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft was observed to drop its right wing and veer to the right. It struck the ground and cartwheeled, coming to rest on top of a parked, unoccupied Cessna 172. The impact occurred on the airport premises.

Witness and Pilot Statements

An individual aboard the Piper reported hearing a horn sound prior to the wing dropping. The pilot of the Piper stated that he did not recall hearing any such horn.

Aftermath

Approximately one minute after the collision, a fire erupted. All four occupants of the Piper had already escaped the aircraft before the fire began. The fire subsequently destroyed both the Piper and the Cessna 172.

The incident is under investigation to determine the sequence of events and contributing factors.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Nov 1988 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Danielson, CT?

During takeoff, a Piper aircraft dropped its right wing and veered right, struck the ground, and cartwheeled onto a parked unoccupied Cessna 172. All four occupants escaped before a fire broke out and destroyed both aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Nov 1988 Piper PA-28-181 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Nov 1988 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N8172P, at Danielson, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO RECOGNIZE A STALL AND TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTION PRIOR TO EXPERIENCING A LOSS OF CONTROL.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27348. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.