Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Low Engine RPM During Takeoff Attempts Leading to Impact (N5731U)

E. Stroudsburg, PA, US

On August 6, 2000, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N5731U) was involved in an aviation accident near E. Stroudsburg, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to takeoff with only partial engine power available. 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

A pilot conducted two takeoff attempts on the same runway; both featured low engine RPM (2,400 vs. expected 2,700) and nose-high, slow flight in ground effect. The second attempt ended with the airplane impacting the ground beyond the runway.

Takeoff Attempts Overview

The pilot initiated two takeoff runs from the same runway. During both attempts, the airplane was observed to be nose-high, flying at low speed in ground effect. On the first attempt, the pilot reduced power and landed, aborting the takeoff. For the second attempt, the airplane became airborne approximately one-third of the way down the runway, maintaining a nose-high attitude and slow airspeed while remaining in ground effect. About two-thirds of the way down the runway, it had climbed to an altitude of 10 to 15 feet. At that point, the airplane developed a pitch oscillation. The airplane continued past the end of the runway and impacted the ground.

Pilot's Account

The pilot reported that the engine ran smoothly during both takeoff attempts. However, the engine speed reached only 2,400 RPM, whereas the specified takeoff RPM was 2,700. Despite the lower power output, the pilot proceeded with the second takeoff.

Conclusion

The source does not provide a probable cause for the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Aug 2000 Piper PA-28-140 accident near E. Stroudsburg, PA?

A pilot conducted two takeoff attempts on the same runway; both featured low engine RPM (2,400 vs. expected 2,700) and nose-high, slow flight in ground effect. The second attempt ended with the airplane impacting the ground beyond the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Aug 2000 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N5731U, at E. Stroudsburg, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to takeoff with only partial engine power available.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21831. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.