On April 19, 2002, a Piper PA-32RT-300T (registration N3034A) was involved in an aviation accident near Valparaiso, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining aircraft control while encountering windshear during initial climbout, resulting in a stall at a low altitude. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane stalled and impacted terrain during initial climb after encountering windshear. The pilot reported severe turbulence causing a left turn and loss of lift.
Accident Sequence
The airplane encountered windshear while on initial climb after takeoff. The aircraft subsequently stalled and impacted the terrain.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that the takeoff and initial climb were normal until the airplane reached approximately 300 feet above ground level. At that point, the airplane encountered "severe turbulence, causing left turn and loss of lift." The pilot reported that the engine was producing "full power" when the airplane impacted the terrain.
Environmental Conditions
The wind at the time was from 020 degrees magnetic at 12 knots, with gusts to 17 knots.
What happened in the 19 Apr 2002 Piper PA-32RT-300T accident near Valparaiso, IN?
An airplane stalled and impacted terrain during initial climb after encountering windshear. The pilot reported severe turbulence causing a left turn and loss of lift.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Apr 2002 involved a Piper PA-32RT-300T, registration N3034A, at Valparaiso, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot not maintaining aircraft control while encountering windshear during initial climbout, resulting in a stall at a low altitude.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…