Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Airspeed Decay After Takeoff, Collision with Fence at McCall Airport (N8276C)

Mccall, ID, US

On September 5, 2005, a Piper PA-22 (20) (registration N8276C) operated by Michael S. Weiss was involved in an aviation accident near Mccall, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during takeoff. A wire fence was a factor in the accident. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that following a normal takeoff, the airplane experienced rapid airspeed decay, prompting a turn toward lower terrain and a landing that resulted in a fence collision and nose-over, causing substantial damage.

Accident Details

The pilot of the airplane provided a written statement describing the events of the accident. According to the pilot, the takeoff acceleration was normal. Immediately after liftoff, the pilot lowered the airplane's nose and accelerated to best angle of climb while remaining in ground effect. After reaching the best angle, the pilot began to climb; however, the airplane's airspeed rapidly decayed. In response to the loss of airspeed, the pilot lowered the airplane's nose and turned the aircraft toward the crosswind and lowering terrain. After turning, the pilot reported that he "landed on ground but hit wire fence." Following the collision with the fence, the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage.

Weather Information

The 1650 METAR observation at McCall reported weather conditions, in part, as: winds from 260 degrees at 7 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; temperature 22 degrees Celsius; barometric pressure (altimeter) 30.14 inches.

Airport Information

The McCall Airport is located in mountainous terrain. The airport elevation is 5,021 feet above mean sea level. The single hard surface runway, designated 16/34, is 6,107 feet long and 75 feet wide.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051006X01587. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.