No fatalities

PIPER PA-38-112 accident at Dalhart, TX, 1 Jun 2024

Dalhart, TX, United States

On June 1, 2024, a PIPER PA-38-112 operated by EASY SMILES AND EXPENSIVE WATCHES LLC was involved in an aviation accident near Dalhart, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper decision to take off with the airplane over its maximum allowable gross weight at a high density altitude, which degraded its climb performance and led an off airport landing. 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

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper decision to take off with the airplane over its maximum allowable gross weight at a high density altitude, which degraded its climb performance and led an off airport landing.

— NTSB Determination

Contributing factors

PilotClimb rate — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jun 2024 PIPER PA-38-112 accident near Dalhart, TX?

The pilot’s improper decision to take off with the airplane over its maximum allowable gross weight at a high density altitude, which degraded its climb performance and led an off airport landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Jun 2024 PIPER PA-38-112 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jun 2024 involved a PIPER PA-38-112, operated by EASY SMILES AND EXPENSIVE WATCHES LLC, at Dalhart, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s improper decision to take off with the airplane over its maximum allowable gross weight at a high density altitude, which degraded its climb performance and led an off airport landing.