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Multiengine Airplane Impacts Terrain After Takeoff; Overweight Condition Noted (N7868Y)

Aurora, MO, US

On July 18, 2005, a Piper PA-30 (registration N7868Y) operated by Kevin Patrick Saffold was involved in an aviation accident near Aurora, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining adequate airspeed and aircraft control during initial climb, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin at a low altitude. A factor to the accident was the pilot operating the airplane over its certified maximum gross weight. 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

A multiengine airplane crashed shortly after takeoff from runway 18. The passenger reported sluggish acceleration, stall warnings, and a right wing rise before impact. Investigation found no preimpact anomalies but the aircraft was 177 lbs overweight.

Accident Sequence

A multiengine airplane departed from runway 18 (3,002 feet by 60 feet, asphalt) at an unspecified airport. During the takeoff roll, the surviving passenger reported the airplane felt "sluggish" and "wasn't picking up speed." After liftoff, as the aircraft crossed a tree line south of the airport, its "stall alarm" sounded. The pilot "slightly leveled" the airplane, and the stall warning momentarily ceased before sounding again. On the second activation, the passenger stated that the right wingtip "went up high and the nose went down" simultaneously. The airplane then impacted terrain about 1,900 feet south of the departure end of the runway in a vacant grass field.

Investigation Findings

The on-scene investigation did not reveal any preimpact anomalies that would have prevented the normal operation of the airplane or its associated systems. At the time of the accident, the airplane was approximately 177 lbs over its certified maximum gross weight. Winds reported at a nearby airport were 220 degrees true at 8 knots.

Loss of control in flightAerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jul 2005 Piper PA-30 accident near Aurora, MO?

A multiengine airplane crashed shortly after takeoff from runway 18. The passenger reported sluggish acceleration, stall warnings, and a right wing rise before impact. Investigation found no preimpact anomalies but the aircraft was 177 lbs overweight.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jul 2005 involved a Piper PA-30, registration N7868Y, operated by Kevin Patrick Saffold, at Aurora, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot not maintaining adequate airspeed and aircraft control during initial climb, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin at a low altitude. A factor to the accident was the pilot operating the airplane over its certified maximum gross weight.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050728X01117. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.