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Casualties unknown

Airplane Unable to Climb After Takeoff, Impacts Field Near Airport (N4690R)

Tooele, UT, US

On July 14, 2002, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N4690R) operated by Air Center OF Salt Lake was involved in an aviation accident near Tooele, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot-in-command failure to obtain/maintain proper rate of climb, resulting in a collision with terrain. Contributing factors were the high density altitude and exceeding the airplane's forward center of gravity limit. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported the airplane was unable to climb after takeoff. The aircraft impacted a field about one mile south of the airport. Weight and balance calculations showed the airplane was within weight limits but forward of the forward center of gravity limit.

Flight Details

The pilot reported that after taking off, the airplane was "unable to climb." The aircraft subsequently impacted a field approximately 1 mile south of the airport.

Performance Data

The airport elevation was 4,316 feet above mean sea level, and the temperature was described as being in the "high nineties" (degrees Fahrenheit). Weight and balance computations, based on data provided by the pilot, indicated that the airplane was within its weight limits. However, the airplane was 0.86 inches forward of the forward center of gravity limit.

Rate of climb under these conditions was estimated to be about 350 feet per minute. Using the airplane's best rate of climb airspeed of 85 miles per hour, it was estimated that the airplane would climb approximately 247 feet per mile. The difference in elevation between the departure end of runway 16 and the accident site is about 150 feet.

Accident Site

The aircraft came to rest in a field located about one mile south of the airport. No further details about the accident site were provided in the source.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jul 2002 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Tooele, UT?

A pilot reported the airplane was unable to climb after takeoff. The aircraft impacted a field about one mile south of the airport. Weight and balance calculations showed the airplane was within weight limits but forward of the forward center of gravity limit.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jul 2002 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N4690R, operated by Air Center OF Salt Lake, at Tooele, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot-in-command failure to obtain/maintain proper rate of climb, resulting in a collision with terrain. Contributing factors were the high density altitude and exceeding the airplane's forward center of gravity limit.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020716X01136. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.