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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Light Pole After Partial Power Loss on Takeoff (N821SC)

Riverton, WY, US

On March 3, 1993, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N821SC) operated by Karl T. Lieb was involved in an aviation accident near Riverton, WY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT DID NOT PERFORM AN ABORT OF THE TAKEOFF AFTER OBSERVING A PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER. FACTORS INCLUDE IMPROPER USE OF THE MIXTURE CONTROL. 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
Aircraft registered N821SC
Aircraft registered N821SC. Photo: Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During takeoff, the pilot observed low power but did not abort; the aircraft climbed to 50 feet before striking a light pole and crashing in a field.

Incident Summary

A pilot observed that the aircraft was not producing expected power during the takeoff ground run. The pilot assured that the propeller, throttle, and mixture controls were fully forward. The takeoff roll used approximately half of the 8,202-foot runway.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft lifted off and climbed to about 50 feet but would not climb further. It then struck a light pole and crashed in a field about 1.5 miles from the airport.

Pilot Actions

Although the pilot noted that he had expected the takeoff ground run to be about 2,000 feet, he failed to abort the takeoff despite the observed power deficiency.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Mar 1993 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Riverton, WY?

During takeoff, the pilot observed low power but did not abort; the aircraft climbed to 50 feet before striking a light pole and crashing in a field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Mar 1993 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N821SC, operated by Karl T. Lieb, at Riverton, WY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT DID NOT PERFORM AN ABORT OF THE TAKEOFF AFTER OBSERVING A PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER. FACTORS INCLUDE IMPROPER USE OF THE MIXTURE CONTROL.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12040. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.