On August 20, 1989, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2344N) operated by Aztec Air Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Long Beach, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE AIRSPEED DURING TAKEOFF WHICH LED TO AN INADVERTENT STALL. A FACTOR WAS THE EXCESSIVE WEIGHT IN THE AIRCRAFT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff from runway 25L, an aircraft climbed with a steep nose-high attitude and slow airspeed. At 100-200 feet AGL, the right wing and nose dropped, and the aircraft descended into the runway. The aircraft's weight exceeded its maximum certificated gross weight by 83 pounds.
Accident Details
During the takeoff roll from runway 25L, which measured 150 feet in width and 5,420 feet in length, the aircraft was observed to climb out with a steep nose-high pitch attitude and at a slow airspeed. Upon reaching an altitude between 100 and 200 feet above ground level, the aircraft's right wing and nose suddenly lowered, and the aircraft descended until it collided with the runway.
Weight and Experience
At the time of the crash, the aircraft's maximum certificated gross weight was exceeded by approximately 83 pounds. The pilot's recent flight experience could not be determined.
Investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the takeoff and climb. No additional factors or conclusions were provided in the source material.