On May 27, 1991, a Piper PA28-140 (registration N5777F) operated by David H. Barrackman was involved in an aviation accident near Truckee, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED AND THE INADVERTENT ENTRY INTO A STALL MUSH WHICH LED TO A LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Witnesses observed the aircraft climb to about 300 feet before descending and colliding with the ground one-quarter mile beyond the departure end of the runway. Examination found no mechanical malfunction. Density altitude was 7100 feet and the aircraft was near max gross weight.
Accident Sequence
Witnesses reported that the aircraft, during its takeoff initial climb, reached an above ground altitude of approximately 300 feet. Shortly thereafter, it began a descent and subsequently collided with the ground about one-quarter mile beyond the departure end of Runway 28.
Examination Findings
Post-accident inspection of the aircraft and engine revealed no mechanical malfunction. Fuel was present throughout the fuel system. Both propeller blades exhibited leading edge damage and chordwise scoring.
Performance Information
The density altitude at the time was calculated to be 7,100 feet. The aircraft was found to be loaded within 100 pounds of its maximum gross weight. A review of the predicted rate of climb data in the aircraft flight manual indicated a maximum rate of climb of 290 feet per minute.
What happened in the 27 May 1991 Piper PA28-140 accident near Truckee, CA?
Witnesses observed the aircraft climb to about 300 feet before descending and colliding with the ground one-quarter mile beyond the departure end of the runway. Examination found no mechanical malfunction. Density altitude was 7100 feet and the aircraft was near max gross weight.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 May 1991 involved a Piper PA28-140, registration N5777F, operated by David H. Barrackman, at Truckee, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED AND THE INADVERTENT ENTRY INTO A STALL MUSH WHICH LED TO A LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN UNCONTROLLED DESCENT. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE.
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