1997-11-27: Piper PA-23-250 — Carson City, NV

Casualties unknown • Carson City, NV, US

Probable cause

The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed after being distracted by the nose baggage door opening in-flight resulting in a stall/spin. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and lack of experience in the type aircraft.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

Witnesses reported that the aircraft's engines sounded normal as the aircraft climbed at an unusually steep angle after takeoff to about 300 feet agl, then stalled, rolled to the left, and spun into a hangar. One witness reported that as the aircraft rolled over he could see that the nose baggage door on the right side of the nose was open and folded back in front of the windshield as the aircraft continued to roll. The pilot had 487 hours total flying time with 23 hours in multiengine aircraft. He had received an 8.6 hour checkout in the accident aircraft 2 weeks prior to the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-11-27 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Carson City, NV?

Witnesses reported that the aircraft's engines sounded normal as the aircraft climbed at an unusually steep angle after takeoff to about 300 feet agl, then stalled, rolled to the left, and spun into a hangar. One witness reported that as the aircraft rolled over he could see that the nose baggage door on the right…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-11-27 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N6933Y, at Carson City, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed after being distracted by the nose baggage door opening in-flight resulting in a stall/spin. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and lack of experience in the type aircraft.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09196. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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