Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Loses Control During Soft Field Takeoff (N61CS)

Rosamond, CA, US

On December 30, 2000, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N61CS) operated by A.v. Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Rosamond, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper airplane handling technique and inadequate airspeed during performance of an intentional soft field takeoff. 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 student pilot attempted a soft field takeoff with flaps set to the second notch. The airplane lifted off in a nose-high attitude, departed ground effect, then yawed left, stalled, and impacted terrain and obstacles.

Maneuver Attempt

A student pilot, who had previously practiced soft field takeoffs with an instructor and was authorized to perform the maneuver solo, initiated a soft field takeoff. The student extended the wing flaps to the customary second notch position and began the takeoff roll.

Takeoff and Loss of Control

During the takeoff roll, the airplane accelerated, and its nose pitched upward. The airplane lifted off the ground in a nose-high attitude. As the airplane climbed out of ground effect, the pitch attitude did not decrease. Subsequently, the airplane yawed to the left, entered an aerodynamic stall, and descended until it impacted the ground, a tree, and a building.

Sequence of Events

The sequence began with a standard soft field takeoff procedure. The nose-high attitude persisted after departure from ground effect, leading to a left yaw and stall. The impact involved multiple obstacles on the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Dec 2000 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Rosamond, CA?

A student pilot attempted a soft field takeoff with flaps set to the second notch. The airplane lifted off in a nose-high attitude, departed ground effect, then yawed left, stalled, and impacted terrain and obstacles.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Dec 2000 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N61CS, operated by A.v. Aviation, at Rosamond, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper airplane handling technique and inadequate airspeed during performance of an intentional soft field takeoff.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010105X00038. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.