Casualties unknown

Aircraft Overweight by 83 Pounds During Takeoff from Runway 25L (N2344N)

Long Beach, CA, US

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.

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

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Aug 1989 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Long Beach, CA?

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.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Aug 1989 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N2344N, operated by Aztec Air Inc., at Long Beach, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE AIRSPEED DURING TAKEOFF WHICH LED TO AN INADVERTENT STALL. A FACTOR WAS THE EXCESSIVE WEIGHT IN THE AIRCRAFT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29164. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.