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Casualties unknown

Stall and Cartwheel During Final Approach (N8078Y)

Highgate, VT, US

On June 22, 2007, a Piper PA-30 (registration N8078Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Highgate, VT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach, which resulted in a stall and subsequent 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft stalled on final approach below 10 feet, impacting the runway and cartwheeling off the left side due to excessive airspeed decay.

What happened

The pilot reported that the accident sequence began during the final approach phase of flight. While attempting to land, the pilot allowed the aircraft's airspeed to decay below the critical threshold. The airplane entered a stall condition at an altitude of less than 10 feet above the runway surface. Following the stall, the aircraft descended rapidly and impacted the paved runway.

Upon impact, the aircraft departed the runway on the left side. The right wing struck the turf adjacent to the pavement, causing the landing gear to break off. This structural failure initiated a cartwheeling motion across the ground. The aircraft continued to slide for approximately 75 feet before coming to a final stop.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach, which resulted in a stall and subsequent loss of control.
Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jun 2007 Piper PA-30 accident near Highgate, VT?

An aircraft stalled on final approach below 10 feet, impacting the runway and cartwheeling off the left side due to excessive airspeed decay.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jun 2007 involved a Piper PA-30, registration N8078Y, at Highgate, VT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the final approach, which resulted in a stall and subsequent loss of control.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070628X00837. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.