Casualties unknown

1997-01-09: Piper PA-28R-200 (N1434X) — Lebanon, TN

Lebanon, TN, US

On January 9, 1997, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N1434X) was involved in an aviation accident near Lebanon, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper short, soft field takeof. A factor was the pilot's poor in-flight decision to operate over an overcast until near the airplane's maximum endurance. 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

A noninstrument-rated pilot made a forced landing due to engine issues during a ferry flight. After adding fuel, he attempted a short-field takeoff that resulted in a stall and collision with the ground.

Incident Overview

A private pilot, who was not instrument-rated and was serving as an aircraft broker, was ferrying the airplane to a purchaser. The pilot reported that he had been airborne for about 4 hours and 45 minutes since the last refueling. While flying over an overcast layer, the engine oil temperature increased and the engine rpm decreased.

Forced Landing

The pilot descended through a hole in the clouds and located an empty field, where he made a forced landing. As a precaution, he then had 5 gallons of fuel brought from a local airport approximately two miles away and had it placed in the airplane.

Takeoff and Stall

After the fuel was added, the pilot elected to take off, stating that the oil temperature was now almost normal. During the soft, short-field departure, the airplane became airborne prematurely when the takeoff path crossed a terrace. The pilot reported that airspeed began decreasing, but he was committed to the takeoff. A left turn was initiated, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent collision with the ground.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07259. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.