On October 15, 1994, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N2964A) was involved in an aviation accident near College Station, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED AND THE RESULTING INADVERTENT STALL. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION, AND HIS DIVERTED ATTENTION TO AN OPEN CARGO DOOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During takeoff roll and initial climb, the forward baggage compartment door opened and flapped. The pilot continued the takeoff and radioed the door issue. While returning to land, the airplane entered a steep climb, slow airspeed, and left crab, then struck two utility poles after a stall warning.
Sequence of Events
During the takeoff roll and initial climb, the forward baggage compartment door opened and began flapping. The pilot proceeded with the takeoff and subsequently radioed that the door had popped open, stating his intention to return to land. Observers then saw the airplane in a steep climb attitude with very slow airspeed. It was in a pronounced left crab or slip while turning left at an altitude between 75 and 100 feet. The right front seat passenger reported hearing the stall warning horn intermittently before the airplane struck two utility poles.
Pilot Statements
The pilot indicated that he had taken a quart of oil from the forward baggage compartment to add to the engine oil. He stated that he could not recall whether the top part of the latch was secured before departure.
Examination Findings
A post-accident examination of the aircraft and its engine found no mechanical issues.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 15 Oct 1994 Piper PA-32-300 accident near College Station, TX?
During takeoff roll and initial climb, the forward baggage compartment door opened and flapped. The pilot continued the takeoff and radioed the door issue. While returning to land, the airplane entered a steep climb, slow airspeed, and left crab, then struck two utility poles after a stall warning.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Oct 1994 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N2964A, at College Station, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED AND THE RESULTING INADVERTENT STALL. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION, AND HIS DIVERTED ATTENTION TO AN OPEN CARGO DOOR.