Casualties unknown

Steep Left Turn After Takeoff Leads to Stall and Collision with Terrain (N34AP)

Dothan, AL, US

On February 9, 2003, a Penska RANS S-9 (registration N34AP) was involved in an aviation accident near Dothan, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot allowed the airplane to get slow and stall. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N34AP
Aircraft registered N34AP. Photo: Peter M Garwood / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A pilot made a steep left turn to avoid traffic after takeoff, allowed the airplane to slow and stall at about 100 feet, resulting in a nose-low collision with the ground.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, he executed a steep left turn to avoid other aircraft in the vicinity. During the maneuver, the pilot allowed the airspeed to decrease, leading to an aerodynamic stall. The pilot estimated the altitude at the time of the stall to be approximately 100 feet above ground level while in the steep left turn. Subsequently, the airplane struck the ground in a nose-low attitude.

Post-Accident Examination

An on-scene examination of the airplane revealed no binding, crimping, or other restrictions to flight control movement aft of the cockpit. The control systems were found to be free of mechanical anomalies that could have contributed to the loss of control.

Pilot Statement

The pilot explicitly stated that "he allowed the airplane to get slow and stall," indicating that the stall was a result of his actions during the avoidance maneuver.

Probable cause

The pilot allowed the airplane to get slow and stall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Feb 2003 Penska RANS S-9 accident near Dothan, AL?

A pilot made a steep left turn to avoid traffic after takeoff, allowed the airplane to slow and stall at about 100 feet, resulting in a nose-low collision with the ground.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Feb 2003 involved a Penska RANS S-9, registration N34AP, at Dothan, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot allowed the airplane to get slow and stall.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030219X00234. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.