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Aircraft Spin and Crash in Mountainous Terrain (N6206P)

Hartleton, PA, US

On July 16, 1989, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N6206P) was involved in an aviation accident near Hartleton, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT ALLOWED THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRCRAFT TO BE EXCEEDED AFTER ENCOUNTERING ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. WEATHER WAS A RELATED FACTOR. 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft on an IFR flight at 7,000 ft reported a spin before crashing into wooded terrain near a mountain ridge. The horizontal stabilizers separated in flight due to overload.

Incident Overview and Witness Account An aircraft was operating under instrument flight rules (IFR) at an altitude of 7,000 feet when the pilot reported, “SIX TWO ZERO SIX PAPA SPINNING” at 1158:29. The aircraft subsequently crashed into wooded terrain near the top of a mountain ridge. A witness who observed the aircraft before the crash described unusual cloud formations and strong, gusty winds in the area. The witness stated that the aircraft disappeared behind a wall of clouds and reappeared, entering a spin before climbing back up almost as quickly as it had descended, prior to the crash. ## Wreckage Examination and Weather Data An examination of the wreckage revealed evidence that the horizontal stabilizers separated in flight. The stabilizers were found away from the main wreckage and had failed in a downward direction from overload. No other preimpact part failure was evident. Weather radar data indicated that the aircraft had crashed in the area of a level 2 echo.

Structural failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jul 1989 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Hartleton, PA?

An aircraft on an IFR flight at 7,000 ft reported a spin before crashing into wooded terrain near a mountain ridge. The horizontal stabilizers separated in flight due to overload.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jul 1989 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N6206P, at Hartleton, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT ALLOWED THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRCRAFT TO BE EXCEEDED AFTER ENCOUNTERING ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. WEATHER WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28947. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.