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.