Casualties unknown

Witnesses Report Power Reduction and Steep Maneuvers Before Impact (N6341J)

Goldsboro, NC, US

On September 9, 1990, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N6341J) operated by Thompson, Chester I. was involved in an aviation accident near Goldsboro, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL/SPIN. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: CONTROL INTERFERENCE BY THE PASSENGER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

Witnesses reported hearing a power reduction during initial climb, then saw the aircraft enter a steep pitch-up, left roll, and spin entry. It impacted nose-down with left wing down. Engine showed no discrepancies; passenger indicated possible throttle retard.

Witness Accounts

According to witness reports, a power reduction was heard during the initial climb after takeoff. Immediately following the reduction, the aircraft was observed entering a steep pitch-up attitude. This was followed by a left roll and the onset of a spin. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground in a steep nose-down and left wing-down orientation.

Engine Examination

A post-impact examination of the engine was conducted. No discrepancies were found that would have precluded its normal operation prior to the accident.

Flight Control System

Continuity of the flight control system was confirmed, indicating the control linkages were intact.

Passenger Statement

The passenger indicated that he may have retarded the throttle at some point during the flight. The exact timing and context of this action were not specified.

Summary

The available evidence points to a sequence involving a power reduction, an unusual attitude change including a steep pitch-up and onset of a spin, and a subsequent impact with the ground. The engine was free of pre-impact anomalies, and flight control continuity was maintained.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Sept 1990 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Goldsboro, NC?

Witnesses reported hearing a power reduction during initial climb, then saw the aircraft enter a steep pitch-up, left roll, and spin entry. It impacted nose-down with left wing down. Engine showed no discrepancies; passenger indicated possible throttle retard.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Sept 1990 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N6341J, operated by Thompson, Chester I., at Goldsboro, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL/SPIN. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: CONTROL INTERFERENCE BY THE PASSENGER.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24182. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.