No fatalities

Discovery Flight Ends in Accident After Takeoff

Anderson, IN, United States

On August 31, 2010, a PIPER PA-28-140 operated by ANDAIR Aircraft Rental and Instruction was involved in an aviation accident near Anderson, IN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to abort the takeoff due to degraded airplane performance. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a discovery flight, the airplane failed to climb after takeoff from a 3,400-foot runway. The pilot lowered the nose as the aircraft sank, resulting in substantial damage upon terrain impact. No mechanical malfunctions were reported; density altitude was calculated at 3,099 feet.

Factual Information

The pilot was providing a "discovery flight" when the accident occurred. The takeoff was conducted from a runway measuring 3,400 feet in length.

Accident Sequence

After takeoff, the airplane did not continue to climb or gain altitude. According to the pilot, the airplane began to sink, prompting him to lower the airplane's nose. Despite this input, the airplane continued to sink and subsequently struck terrain, sustaining substantial damage.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated in the accident report that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane related to the accident flight.

Aircraft and Density Altitude

The calculated local density altitude at the time of the accident was 3,099 feet. No specific aircraft type, registration, or other identifying information was provided.

Contributing factors

Pilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Aug 2010 PIPER PA-28-140 accident near Anderson, IN?

During a discovery flight, the airplane failed to climb after takeoff from a 3,400-foot runway. The pilot lowered the nose as the aircraft sank, resulting in substantial damage upon terrain impact. No mechanical malfunctions were reported; density altitude was calculated at 3,099 feet.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Aug 2010 PIPER PA-28-140 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Aug 2010 involved a PIPER PA-28-140, operated by ANDAIR Aircraft Rental and Instruction, at Anderson, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to abort the takeoff due to degraded airplane performance.