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Casualties unknown

Piper PA-28R crashes during low-altitude maneuvers (N2742M)

Briggsdale, CO, US

On April 14, 1992, a Piper PA-28R-201T (registration N2742M) operated by Northern Colorado Air Chrtr was involved in an aviation accident near Briggsdale, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate planning and decision-making during low-altitude maneuvers, which resulted in the aircraft striking terrain. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

A Piper PA-28R crashed on a hill after the pilot performed pitch-over maneuvers at excessively low altitudes, resulting in an inverted impact.

What happened

The aircraft impacted a low hill while the pilot was conducting low-flying activities. Witnesses noted that the pilot had been performing pitch-over maneuvers and flying at excessively low altitudes prior to the collision. The aircraft struck the terrain with its wings level, bounced back into the air, and subsequently crashed in an inverted position.

The investigation

Investigation relied heavily on statements from passengers present during the flight. These accounts confirmed the nature of the maneuvers being executed and the altitude at which they were performed immediately before the accident sequence began.

Findings

The primary factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's decision to engage in pitch-over maneuvers and maintain excessively low altitudes. The physical evidence of a wings-level impact followed by an inverted crash is consistent with loss of control during aggressive low-altitude maneuvering.

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate planning and decision-making during low-altitude maneuvers, which resulted in the aircraft striking terrain.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Apr 1992 Piper PA-28R-201T accident near Briggsdale, CO?

A Piper PA-28R crashed on a hill after the pilot performed pitch-over maneuvers at excessively low altitudes, resulting in an inverted impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Apr 1992 involved a Piper PA-28R-201T, registration N2742M, operated by Northern Colorado Air Chrtr, at Briggsdale, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate planning and decision-making during low-altitude maneuvers, which resulted in the aircraft striking terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14514. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.