Casualties unknown

Airplane Departs High-Altitude Airport, Witnesses Observe Low and Slow Flight Before Descent (N6331P)

Nogales, AZ, US

On April 17, 1994, a Piper PA-24-180 (registration N6331P) operated by Robert D. Adams was involved in an aviation accident near Nogales, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane departed an airport at 3,932 feet MSL with four occupants. Witnesses saw it flying low and slow with wobbling wings, then it turned left and descended steeply. No mechanical malfunction was found.

Departure and Conditions

The airplane departed an airport located at 3,932 feet above mean sea level. Density altitude at the time of departure was estimated at 6,500 feet. The aircraft's gross weight was calculated to be within its certified limits. Four occupants were on board.

Witness Observations

Witnesses observed the airplane flying low and slow approximately three-quarters of a mile northeast of the airport. The wings appeared to be wobbling during the flight.

Descent and Impact

The airplane began a left turn about 100 feet above ground level. It then suddenly descended in a steep nose-down attitude and struck the ground.

Investigation Findings

Post-accident examination revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction or failure that could have contributed to the event.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01117. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.