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Engine Power Loss During Initial Climb Leads to Stall and Runway Collision (N6684J)

Ocean Springs, MS, US

On March 21, 2000, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N6684J) was involved in an aviation accident near Ocean Springs, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft while making a forced landing following loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, resulting in the aircraft impacting hard on the runway, bouncing into the air, and colliding with powerlines off the… 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, an engine lost power twice, regaining partially. The pilot turned back, but the aircraft stalled on final approach, impacting the runway, then veered right into power lines and a pole. A post-crash fire destroyed most of the aircraft.

Event Overview

During the climb shortly after takeoff, the engine lost power. It then regained full power momentarily, but soon lost power again and recovered only to a level below 2,000 rpm. The pilot initiated a turn back to the departure airport.

Approach and Impact

As the pilot aligned the aircraft with the runway, the aircraft stalled and descended, impacting the runway surface. Upon impact, the aircraft bounced and traveled off the right side of the runway, where it collided with power lines and a pole.

Post-Crash Fire

The aircraft came to rest, and a post-crash fire erupted, consuming most of the aircraft. The engine and its accessories sustained damage due to the fire.

Engine Examination

A teardown examination of the engine conducted after the crash revealed no evidence of abnormalities. However, the engine and accessories had been damaged by the post-crash fire, which may have obscured any pre-existing issues.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Mar 2000 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Ocean Springs, MS?

After takeoff, an engine lost power twice, regaining partially. The pilot turned back, but the aircraft stalled on final approach, impacting the runway, then veered right into power lines and a pole. A post-crash fire destroyed most of the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Mar 2000 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N6684J, at Ocean Springs, MS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the aircraft while making a forced landing following loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, resulting in the aircraft impacting hard on the runway, bouncing into the air, and colliding with powerlines off the side of the runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20698. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.