No fatalities

Pilot Aborts Takeoff Following Stall Warning, Gear Collapses During Landing (N8402C)

Vashon, WA, US

On July 24, 1989, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N8402C) operated by Tomie L. Trotter was involved in an aviation accident near Vashon, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS, HIGH OBSTRUCTIONS (TREES), AND SOFT TERRAIN WHERE THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN DURING THE ABORTED TAKEOFF. 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

During takeoff from a 1,950-foot strip, the pilot rotated at midpoint, climbed 30 feet, then received a steady stall warning. Believing trees could not be cleared, he aborted and landed in a field, collapsing the nose and main gear.

Incident Details

The pilot of a small aircraft reported that during takeoff, he rotated the airplane at approximately the midpoint of a 1,950-foot long strip. After climbing about 30 feet above ground level (AGL), the stall warning horn began to activate steadily.

Sequence of Events

The engine sounded normal throughout the takeoff, but the pilot believed the aircraft would not clear trees at the end of the strip. He elected to abort the takeoff and land in an open field to the left of the strip. During the landing on soft terrain, the nose gear and main landing gear collapsed.

Additional Observations

The pilot reported that the windsock indication at the accident location varied from what he had noted earlier.

No further details about the aircraft, injuries, or other factors were provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jul 1989 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Vashon, WA?

During takeoff from a 1,950-foot strip, the pilot rotated at midpoint, climbed 30 feet, then received a steady stall warning. Believing trees could not be cleared, he aborted and landed in a field, collapsing the nose and main gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Jul 1989 Piper PA-28-140 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jul 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N8402C, operated by Tomie L. Trotter, at Vashon, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS, HIGH OBSTRUCTIONS (TREES), AND SOFT TERRAIN WHERE THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN DURING THE ABORTED TAKEOFF.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28986. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.