Aircraft stall during takeoff at grass airstrip

Casualties unknown • Ray, ND, US

A pilot experienced an aerodynamic stall during takeoff from a grass airstrip, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft after impacting terrain.

What happened

The pilot had previously returned to the grass airstrip to repair a plugged spray nozzle. After completing the repair, the pilot departed from the northeast runway, choosing this direction to avoid a construction crane located at the southwest end of the runway. During the takeoff roll, the pilot estimated a tailwind of approximately 3-4 knots.

Upon liftoff, the aircraft failed to attain sufficient airspeed to clear an adjacent row of trees. As the aircraft transitioned out of ground effect, a stall occurred. The pilot reported that in response to the stall, power was reduced, leading the aircraft to impact a grain field. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the event.

Findings

The pilot identified two potential contributing factors to the stall: the presence of a downdraft or the possibility of a spark plug fouling while the engine was idling during the nozzle repair.

Probable cause

The aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall during takeoff, potentially caused by a downdraft or engine issues following an idle period, resulting in an impact with terrain.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-08-14 Piper PA-25-235 accident near Ray, ND?

A pilot experienced an aerodynamic stall during takeoff from a grass airstrip, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft after impacting terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-08-14 involved a Piper PA-25-235, registration N7634Z, operated by Jeffrey T. Knox, at Ray, ND.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft experienced an aerodynamic stall during takeoff, potentially caused by a downdraft or engine issues following an idle period, resulting in an impact with terrain.

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.

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