On 30 Jun 2016, a PIPER PA28 140 was involved in an aviation accident near Amarillo, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to attain an adequate rate of climb, which resulted in off airport landing and substantial damage to the fuselage and right wing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
After takeoff from an airport with a density altitude near 6,400 feet, the pilot felt insufficient lift, saw the stall warning light, and landed in a dirt field. The nose gear collapsed, damaging the fuselage and right wing.
Incident Summary
Following departure from an airfield where the density altitude was approximately 6,400 feet, the pilot of a single-engine airplane reported sensing that the aircraft was not generating adequate lift during the initial climb. Contemplating a return to the departure airport, the pilot observed the stall warning light illuminate and instead elected to land in a newly developed dirt field directly ahead. The pilot stated that he continued to lower the nose to build airspeed and maintained the wings level throughout the descent.
Aircraft Damage
Upon touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed. The fuselage and right wing sustained substantial damage.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.