Casualties unknown

2002-08-14: Piper PA-25-235 (N7634Z) — Jeffrey T. Knox — Ray, ND

Ray, ND, US

On August 14, 2002, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N7634Z) operated by Jeffrey T. Knox was involved in an aviation accident near Ray, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot inadvertently stalled the airplane during takeoff. A factor was the tailwind. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane sustained substantial damage after stalling during takeoff from a grass airstrip. The pilot reported departing with a tailwind and speculated on possible causes including a downdraft or spark plug fouling.

Accident Summary

The airplane sustained substantial damage when it stalled during takeoff and impacted the terrain. The event occurred at a grass airstrip with two runways oriented southwest-northeast. The pilot had previously landed on the southwest runway to repair a plugged spray nozzle before attempting a departure to the northeast.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that he had returned to the airstrip to fix a plugged spray nozzle. After landing on the southwest runway and completing the repair, he departed to the northeast. He explained that he opted for the northeast departure due to a construction crane located at the southwest end of the runway. The pilot estimated that he departed with a 3-4 knot tailwind.

According to the pilot, "Upon liftoff, enough airspeed was not obtained to be able to clear the tree row. Once out of ground effect, a stall occurred which may have come from a downdraft or the possibility of a spark plug fouling while idling to fix nozzle." He further stated, "Upon realizing the stall, power was pulled back and had to land in grain field."

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of the impact with terrain. No further details about the extent of damage were provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020828X01471. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.