Single-engine aircraft impact following loss of control after takeoff

Casualties unknown • Mountain Home, TX, US

A private pilot lost control of a single-engine airplane during the initial climb phase, resulting in an impact with terrain shortly after departing a turf runway.

What happened

Shortly after takeoff from a 2,200-foot long turf runway, the pilot lost control of the single-engine airplane. According to the pilot, who had 245 hours of flight time, the aircraft achieved liftoff with an airspeed of approximately 65 miles per hour and a rate of climb of about 200 feet per minute.

The pilot maintained back pressure on the yoke while climbing to an altitude of approximately 50 feet above ground level to clear nearby treetops. During this phase of flight, the pilot noticed the airspeed beginning to decay. Upon releasing back pressure on the yoke, the airplane continued to descend in a nose-high attitude until it impacted the terrain.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to release back pressure on the control yoke while experiencing decaying airspeed led to a nose-high descent and subsequent impact with the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-09-03 Piper PA-22 accident near Mountain Home, TX?

A private pilot lost control of a single-engine airplane during the initial climb phase, resulting in an impact with terrain shortly after departing a turf runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-09-03 involved a Piper PA-22, registration N2972P, at Mountain Home, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to release back pressure on the control yoke while experiencing decaying airspeed led to a nose-high descent and subsequent impact with the ground.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040909X01383. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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