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Casualties unknown

Overweight Aircraft with Aft Center of Gravity Strikes Trees After Takeoff (N5886U)

Ona, WV, US

On April 22, 1990, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N5886U) operated by William Coleman Thompson, Iii was involved in an aviation accident near Ona, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE IMPROPERLY SET STABILATOR TRIM AND THE IMPROPERLY LOADED 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

Witnesses reported slow liftoff and failure to gain altitude. The aircraft cleared a ridgeline in a nose-high attitude, rolled left, and collided with trees. Examination showed nose-high stabilator trim and overweight conditions with aft CG.

Accident Overview

Witnesses observed the aircraft depart the runway at a speed slower than normal and subsequently fail to gain altitude. After liftoff, the aircraft just cleared a ridgeline off the end of the runway while maintaining a nose-high attitude. It then rolled to the left and collided with trees.

Examination Findings

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the stabilator trim was set in a nose-high setting. A weight and balance computation indicated that the aircraft was overweight with an aft center of gravity condition. No other factors were documented in the source material.

Operational Conditions

The report provides no further details regarding the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, date, time of day, weather conditions, or air traffic control involvement. Information on the number of occupants and any injuries or fatalities is also not specified.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Apr 1990 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Ona, WV?

Witnesses reported slow liftoff and failure to gain altitude. The aircraft cleared a ridgeline in a nose-high attitude, rolled left, and collided with trees. Examination showed nose-high stabilator trim and overweight conditions with aft CG.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Apr 1990 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N5886U, operated by William Coleman Thompson, Iii, at Ona, WV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE IMPROPERLY SET STABILATOR TRIM AND THE IMPROPERLY LOADED AIRCRAFT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22861. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.