1 fatality

Single-Engine Airplane Stalls and Crashes After Liftoff; Pilot Killed (N91073)

Atlanta-DeKalb-Peachtree, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On March 30, 1977, a Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair (registration N91073) operated by Modern Professional Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Atlanta-DeKalb-Peachtree, United States of America during takeoff. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Collision with trees during initial climb due to inadequate preflight preparation. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

Just after liftoff, a single-engine airplane encountered serious difficulty gaining height, stalled, and crashed in flames by the runway. The sole occupant pilot was killed. The probable cause was collision with trees due to inadequate preflight preparation.

Accident Details

Just after liftoff from the runway, a single-engine airplane encountered serious difficulties gaining altitude. It stalled and crashed in flames near the runway. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a collision with trees during the initial climb, due to inadequate preflight preparation.

Contributing Factors

The investigation reported the following contributing factors:

  • Improperly loaded aircraft.
  • Deficiency in company-maintained equipment, services, and regulation.
  • Aircraft 790 pounds over maximum takeoff weight (MTOW).
  • Center of gravity (CG) beyond aft limit.