Casualties unknown

Airplane Collides with Terrain Following Takeoff (N5231L)

Rosamond, CA, US

On June 1, 2007, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N5231L) was involved in an aviation accident near Rosamond, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff due to lack of airplane climb performance, which resulted in a collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff from a 3,600-foot runway, the airplane lifted off but failed to climb, drifted right, and after clearing a fence, settled into soft sandy soil. The right main landing gear dug in, causing a sudden stop.

Event Description

During takeoff, the airplane collided with terrain off the end of the runway. The pilot reported that the run-up checks were all acceptable. As the airplane reached approximately 1,200 feet down the runway, it lifted 5 feet above the surface but was unable to climb further. The airplane then drifted to the right while the pilot was checking the control settings. Noticing that the airplane was nearing the end of the runway, the pilot applied additional backpressure on the yoke, allowing the airplane to climb to 15 feet above ground level. The airplane cleared a fence at the end of the runway and subsequently settled into soft, sandy soil.

Landing and Impact

Upon touching down in the soft soil, the right main landing gear dug into the sand, causing the airplane to be jerked to the right and come to a sudden stop.

Pilot Report and Conditions

The pilot reported no change in engine sound during the takeoff. The estimated weight of the airplane was 100 pounds below its maximum gross weight. The density altitude at the time of the accident was about 4,000 feet mean sea level.

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jun 2007 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Rosamond, CA?

During takeoff from a 3,600-foot runway, the airplane lifted off but failed to climb, drifted right, and after clearing a fence, settled into soft sandy soil. The right main landing gear dug in, causing a sudden stop.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jun 2007 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N5231L, at Rosamond, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff due to lack of airplane climb performance, which resulted in a collision with terrain.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070608X00700. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.