On July 7, 1994, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N1382T) was involved in an aviation accident near England, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate clearance from obstacles (tall grass) during takeoff, which resulted in the left main landing gear becoming entangled and the subsequent loss of control due to deceleration below stall speed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost control during initial climb after the left main gear caught in tall grass at a private airstrip, causing the aircraft to stall and impact terrain.
What happened
The accident occurred during the initial takeoff climb phase from a private airstrip. The pilot was attempting to depart when the left main landing gear became entangled in tall grass located along the runway edge or shoulder. This obstruction caused significant drag, rapidly decelerating the aircraft below its stall speed before sufficient altitude could be gained.
As airspeed decayed, the airplane lost lift and control authority. The pilot was unable to recover from the resulting descent. The aircraft impacted the terrain immediately following the loss of control. During this subsequent impact and landing sequence, the right wing sustained damage.
The investigation
Examination of the accident site and the wreckage revealed that the left main landing gear had become caught in vegetation. The tall grass was identified as the primary factor contributing to the deceleration below stall speed during a critical phase of flight where airspeed margins are minimal.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate clearance from obstacles (tall grass) during takeoff, which resulted in the left main landing gear becoming entangled and the subsequent loss of control due to deceleration below stall speed.
What happened in the 7 Jul 1994 Piper PA-28-140 accident near England, AR?
A pilot lost control during initial climb after the left main gear caught in tall grass at a private airstrip, causing the aircraft to stall and impact terrain.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Jul 1994 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N1382T, at England, AR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate clearance from obstacles (tall grass) during takeoff, which resulted in the left main landing gear becoming entangled and the subsequent loss of control due to deceleration below stall speed.
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