Casualties unknown

1993-08-30: Piper PA-601 (N60721) — Penn Yan, NY

Penn Yan, NY, US

On August 30, 1993, a Piper PA-601 (registration N60721) was involved in an aviation accident near Penn Yan, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed and stalled the aircraft. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported stalling the aircraft at 30-40 feet above the runway after being distracted by power lines and campers during an approach to Runway 28.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during a landing attempt, the aircraft stalled at approximately 30 to 40 feet above the runway after the pilot became distracted by obstacles at the approach end. The pilot had previously made two unsuccessful landing attempts on Runway 10 before determining that the winds favored a landing on Runway 28.

Approach and Distraction

While on approach to Runway 28, the pilot noticed power lines and campers near the approach end. According to the pilot, "On the approach, my attention was distracted . . . by the wires . . . the campers, (and a) mound of dirt." The pilot stated that he failed to maintain adequate airspeed and stalled the aircraft as a result.

Sequence of Events

The pilot reported that the aircraft struck a power line during the stall. After hitting the power line, the pilot was able to regain some control of the aircraft, but it then dropped to the runway. No further details regarding the aircraft's condition or occupant status were provided in the report.

Contributing Factors

According to the pilot's account, the primary cause of the incident was his failure to maintain adequate airspeed due to distraction, leading to an aerodynamic stall at low altitude.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to maintain adequate airspeed and stalled the aircraft.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13255. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.