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Aircraft Stalls During Takeoff, Collides with Ground (N148PA)

Louisville, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On February 11, 1986, a Beechcraft H18 (registration N148PA) operated by ACE Air Cargo Express was involved in an aviation accident near Louisville, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight, Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb. Findings: (1) proper climb rate not maintained - pilot in command; (2) stall not corrected - pilot in command. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff climb, the aircraft pitched up in two increments, stalled at about 200 feet, dropped its right wing, and descended uncontrolled, impacting the ground in a flat attitude.

Accident Overview

The aircraft stalled during takeoff and collided with the ground. Witnesses reported that the aircraft pitched up in two distinct increments, climbing sharply to about 200 feet above ground level. At that altitude, the aircraft stalled, with the right wing dropping. It then descended in an uncontrolled manner and impacted the ground in a flat attitude.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the accident involved two occurrences. First, a loss of control in flight during the takeoff initial climb. The pilot in command did not maintain a proper climb rate and failed to correct a stall. Second, an in-flight collision with terrain/water during an uncontrolled descent. The phase of operation for the first occurrence was takeoff and initial climb; for the second, descent was uncontrolled.

Probable cause

Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight, Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb. Findings: (1) proper climb rate not maintained - pilot in command; (2) stall not corrected - pilot in command. Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water, Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled.
Loss of control in flight

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