Casualties unknown

Pre-Purchase Inspection Flight Ends in Crash Following Single-Engine Go-Around (N16209)

Tifton, GA, US

On March 27, 1992, a Piper PA-34-200 (registration N16209) operated by Clinton Aircraft Leasing was involved in an aviation accident near Tifton, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER SINGLE ENGINE GO-AROUND PROCEDURE, IN THAT HE FAILED TO RAISE THE FLAPS AND LANDING GEAR, AND FAILED TO MAINTAIN MINIMUM CONTROL AIRSPEED. A FACTOR WAS THE UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS. 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

During a pre-purchase inspection flight, the right engine was shut off and could not be restarted. While attempting a single-engine landing, a wind shift occurred, leading to a go-around. Flaps and landing gear were not retracted per the flight manual, and the aircraft hit a tree and crashed.

Flight and Engine Shutdown

The aircraft was being operated for a pre-purchase inspection. During the flight, the right engine was shut off and subsequently could not be restarted.

Single-Engine Landing and Go-Around

Both pilots reported that during the attempted single-engine landing, the wind shifted from a quartering headwind to a quartering tailwind. As a result, the nose and right wing dropped, and the airspeed decreased to Vmc. A single-engine go-around was initiated. However, contrary to the flight manual go-around procedure, the flaps and landing gear were not retracted.

Collision with Trees

Due to the configuration, the aircraft could not climb over a tree located at the departure end of the runway. The airplane struck the tree, then rolled into the dead engine and crashed into surrounding trees in a vertical, nose-down attitude.

Post-Crash Engine Test

The engine was subsequently operated on a test stand.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Mar 1992 Piper PA-34-200 accident near Tifton, GA?

During a pre-purchase inspection flight, the right engine was shut off and could not be restarted. While attempting a single-engine landing, a wind shift occurred, leading to a go-around. Flaps and landing gear were not retracted per the flight manual, and the aircraft hit a tree and crashed.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Mar 1992 involved a Piper PA-34-200, registration N16209, operated by Clinton Aircraft Leasing, at Tifton, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER SINGLE ENGINE GO-AROUND PROCEDURE, IN THAT HE FAILED TO RAISE THE FLAPS AND LANDING GEAR, AND FAILED TO MAINTAIN MINIMUM CONTROL AIRSPEED. A FACTOR WAS THE UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14224. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.