Casualties unknown

1995-02-24: Piper PA-30B (N7972Y) — Franklin, NC

Franklin, NC, US

On February 24, 1995, a Piper PA-30B (registration N7972Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Franklin, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN FLYING SPEED RESULTING IN AN AERODYNAMIC STALL. A FACTOR WAS SUNGLARE. 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

An airplane crashed 700 feet beyond the departure end of Runway 25 after executing a steep left turn. The pilot had requested landing advisories and approached the opposite runway before initiating a climb near mid-field.

Accident Details

The flight approached the destination airport, and the pilot requested landing advisories. Runway 7 was the active runway. The pilot established a final approach for the opposite runway (Runway 25). As the airplane approached the mid-field point, only several feet above the ground, the pilot executed a slight climb. The climb continued until the airplane was beyond the departure end of Runway 25. At that point, the pilot entered a steep left turn, and the airplane collided with the ground 700 feet beyond the departure end of Runway 25. After impact, the airplane burned.

Environmental Conditions

At the time of the approach, the sun was on the western horizon, indicating reduced visibility conditions from glare.

Site Examination

Examination of the accident site disclosed that wreckage debris was scattered over an area 90 feet long and 40 feet wide. The post-impact fire destroyed the airframe center section and empennage. The wreckage examination failed to disclose a mechanical malfunction, suggesting that no preimpact mechanical issue was present.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X02923. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.