Casualties unknown

Takeoff Accident on Ice Runway After Left Deviation and Stall (N6577P)

Alton Bay, NH, US

On February 5, 2000, a Piper PA-24 (registration N6577P) was involved in an aviation accident near Alton Bay, NH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A factor in the accident was the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff on runway 01 (ice), the airplane pulled left. After rotation, it struck a snow bank and stalled at about 20 feet, descending rapidly. The pilot reported gusty winds.

Accident Details

The accident sequence began during the takeoff from runway 01, which was an ice runway. As the airplane accelerated, it unexpectedly veered to the left. The pilot responded by applying full right rudder to straighten the path. After the airplane rotated, it struck a snow bank. Subsequently, the pilot stated that he lost all control of the plane. The airplane then climbed to approximately 20 feet above ground level, where it was observed to bobble, stall, and descend rapidly before impacting a snow bank located to the left of the runway.

Pilot and Witness Accounts

The pilot reported that he did not receive a weather briefing before departure. However, he noted that the winds at the airport were "swirly" and "gusty." Witnesses at the airport reported that the airplane's takeoff roll appeared much shorter than those of other airplanes. The airplane climbed to about 20 feet, where it exhibited a bobbling motion, stalled, and descended rapidly before hitting the snow bank.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20554. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.