1991-08-16: Piper PA-32-300D — Woodall, Hunter E. — Chamblee, GA

Casualties unknown • Chamblee, GA, US

Probable cause

THE PILOT'S PREMATURE LIFT OFF WHEN HE FAILED TO IDENTIFY ROTATION AIRSPEED AND THE SUBSEQUENT INADVERTENT STALL OF THE AIRPLANE.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE PILOT & HIS WIFE HAD PICKED UP THE AIRPLANE AFTER MAINTENANCE HAD BEEN PERFORMED. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL THE PILOT ROTATED, HE SAID, AT WHAT HE BELIEVED WAS ROTATION SPEED. THE AIRPLANE BECAME AIRBORNE IN GROUND EFFECT. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, THE LEFT WING DROPPED, AS IT STALLED, & THE NOSE FELL THROUGH. THE AIRPLANE ACCELERATED AS IT DESCENDED TO IMPACT ON THE LEFT WINGTIP. IN HIS REPORT THE PILOT SAID THAT HE ROTATED AT TOO SLOW AN AIRSPEED & FAILED TO APPLY SUFFICIENT RIGHT RUDDER.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-08-16 Piper PA-32-300D accident near Chamblee, GA?

THE PILOT & HIS WIFE HAD PICKED UP THE AIRPLANE AFTER MAINTENANCE HAD BEEN PERFORMED. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL THE PILOT ROTATED, HE SAID, AT WHAT HE BELIEVED WAS ROTATION SPEED. THE AIRPLANE BECAME AIRBORNE IN GROUND EFFECT. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, THE LEFT WING DROPPED, AS IT STALLED, & THE NOSE FELL THROUGH. THE…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-08-16 involved a Piper PA-32-300D, registration N4164W, operated by Woodall, Hunter E., at Chamblee, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S PREMATURE LIFT OFF WHEN HE FAILED TO IDENTIFY ROTATION AIRSPEED AND THE SUBSEQUENT INADVERTENT STALL OF THE AIRPLANE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17774. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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