Loss of Control and Terrain Collision Following Departure

Casualties unknown • Amarillo, TX, US

A pilot lost control of an aircraft during a precautionary return to the airstrip, resulting in a collision with the terrain after attempting to avoid obstacles.

What happened

Following departure, the aircraft began an uncommanded left turn. The pilot attempted to correct this deviation by applying right aileron and rudder inputs. In an effort to return to the airstrip for a precautionary landing, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft through an area containing a crane boom and power lines.

To avoid these obstacles, the pilot skidded the aircraft, which resulted in a depletion of airspeed. During this maneuver, the pilot was unable to maintain control of the aircraft, leading to a stall and a subsequent collision with the terrain.

Findings

The investigation determined that the pilot did not utilize a checklist prior to takeoff. As a result of this omission, the pilot failed to notice that the stabilizer had been set to the full nose down position. This configuration contributed to the loss of control during the flight maneuvers.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to use a pre-takeoff checklist, which resulted in an undetected full nose-down stabilizer setting, and the subsequent loss of airspeed while maneuvering to avoid obstacles, led to a stall and collision with the terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-10-08 Piper PA-22 accident near Amarillo, TX?

A pilot lost control of an aircraft during a precautionary return to the airstrip, resulting in a collision with the terrain after attempting to avoid obstacles.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-10-08 involved a Piper PA-22, registration N8727D, operated by John R. Wellborn, at Amarillo, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to use a pre-takeoff checklist, which resulted in an undetected full nose-down stabilizer setting, and the subsequent loss of airspeed while maneuvering to avoid obstacles, led to a stall and collision with the terrain.

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