Casualties unknown

Airplane Stalls and Collides with Terrain During Takeoff, Enters Canal (N4813T)

Auburn, CA, US

On September 2, 2006, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N4813T) was involved in an aviation accident near Auburn, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to comply with weight and balance limitations and failure to attain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall and loss of control. 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

An airplane stalled and collided with terrain during takeoff, ending up in a canal. The pilot reported the aircraft was 150 pounds over maximum gross weight and that he had not adequately considered weight and balance.

Accident Overview

The airplane stalled and collided with terrain during takeoff, subsequently entering a canal. The pilot reported that the aircraft's weight at the time of the accident was 2,300 pounds, which exceeded the certified maximum gross weight by 150 pounds. He stated that he had not paid thorough attention to weight and balance considerations prior to the flight.

Flight Details

During the takeoff roll, the airplane did not attain sufficient airspeed, leading to a departure stall and subsequent collision with terrain. The pilot noted that the airplane and engine experienced no mechanical failures or malfunctions.

Pilot Statement

The pilot indicated that his lack of attention to weight and balance played a role in the accident. He confirmed that the weight exceeded the certified limit and that this likely prevented the airplane from achieving adequate airspeed for a safe takeoff.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Sept 2006 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Auburn, CA?

An airplane stalled and collided with terrain during takeoff, ending up in a canal. The pilot reported the aircraft was 150 pounds over maximum gross weight and that he had not adequately considered weight and balance.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Sept 2006 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N4813T, at Auburn, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to comply with weight and balance limitations and failure to attain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall and loss of control.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20061114X01659. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.