Aircraft stalls and impacts ground following takeoff

Casualties unknown • Temple Bar, AZ, US

An aircraft entered a left-hand spin and struck the ground in a steep nose-down attitude shortly after departing runway 18.

What happened

A pilot witnessing the event reported that the aircraft taxied to runway 18 for departure. According to the witness, the takeoff ground roll appeared normal, with the aircraft rotating at approximately the two-thirds point of the runway.

During the initial climb, the witness was performing pre-takeoff checks on his own aircraft when he heard the pilot broadcast the message, "I have a big problem." Upon looking up, the witness observed the aircraft at an altitude of approximately 200 feet AGL. The aircraft then appeared to stall with a sudden rolling break to the left, subsequently entering a left-hand spin. The aircraft ultimately impacted the ground in a steep nose-down attitude.

The investigation

An examination of the wreckage was conducted following the accident. Investigators found no mechanical malfunctions or failures during the inspection of the aircraft components.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-07-10 Piper PA24-250 accident near Temple Bar, AZ?

An aircraft entered a left-hand spin and struck the ground in a steep nose-down attitude shortly after departing runway 18.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-07-10 involved a Piper PA24-250, registration N8142P, operated by Jack G. Preuss, at Temple Bar, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT DURING AN ATTEMPTED RETURN TO RUNWAY MANEUVER AND THE ENTRY INTO AN INADVERTENT STALL/SPIN AT LOW ALTITUDE. THE EXACT NATURE OF THE EMERGENCY PROBLEM ENCOUNTERED BY THE PILOT IS UNDETERMINED.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17595. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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