FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss After Takeoff Prompts Return; Rudder Trim Found in Nose Right Position (N8894E)

Wichita Falls, TX, US

On January 13, 1996, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration N8894E) was involved in an aviation accident near Wichita Falls, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadvertent stall by the pilot in command. Factors were the impeded airplane takeoff performance, the rudder trim not corrected by the pilot, and the pilot's failure to comply with the checklist. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After takeoff, a pilot reported right engine power loss and returned to land. Witnesses observed a pronounced right yaw. Wreckage showed rudder trim set 50% nose right. The previous night, a precautionary landing was made due to left engine power loss, which was repaired. Post-accident teardown found no engine anomalies.

Incident Overview

Following takeoff, the pilot communicated to the tower that a return to land was necessary due to loss of power to the right engine. Witnesses on the ground observed that the airplane exhibited a pronounced right yaw and an out-of-trim attitude as soon as it became airborne.

Examination of Wreckage

Inspection of the wreckage revealed that the rudder trim was set to 50% nose right position.

Previous Events

The pilot had made a precautionary landing at the same airport the night before, citing a reported partial loss of power on the left engine. Maintenance personnel subsequently identified and repaired the source of that power loss. During that maintenance, the pilot informed the mechanics that both engines were beyond their recommended time between overhauls (TBO) and expressed concern about engine reliability.

Engine Examination

Teardown and detailed examination of both engines and their turbochargers did not reveal any anomalies that would have prevented normal engine operation.

Aerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Jan 1996 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Wichita Falls, TX?

After takeoff, a pilot reported right engine power loss and returned to land. Witnesses observed a pronounced right yaw. Wreckage showed rudder trim set 50% nose right. The previous night, a precautionary landing was made due to left engine power loss, which was repaired. Post-accident teardown found no engine…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Jan 1996 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N8894E, at Wichita Falls, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The inadvertent stall by the pilot in command. Factors were the impeded airplane takeoff performance, the rudder trim not corrected by the pilot, and the pilot's failure to comply with the checklist.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05123. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.