No fatalities

Twin-Engine Aircraft Crashes After Liftoff; Pilot Slightly Injured (N74906)

Austin-Robert Mueller, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On August 15, 1977, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration N74906) operated by Private United States of America was involved in an aviation accident near Austin-Robert Mueller, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Stall during takeoff run after the pilot attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 16 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft rolled right and crashed in flames at liftoff. The pilot, sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The accident was attributed to a stall during takeoff run after operating with known equipment deficiencies.

Accident Summary

A twin-engine aircraft experienced a right roll during liftoff and subsequently crashed, resulting in a post-crash fire that destroyed the airframe. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, suffered slight injuries.

Accident Details

The aircraft was in the takeoff phase when, at liftoff, it rolled to the right and impacted the ground, erupting in flames. The ensuing fire consumed the aircraft completely. The pilot, alone on board, was the only person involved and was reported to have been slightly injured.

Probable Cause and Contributing Factors

According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was a stall during the takeoff run after the pilot attempted to operate the aircraft with known deficiencies in equipment. Several contributing factors were identified: improper maintenance; issues with the exhaust system's external supercharger; failure to attain flying speed; premature liftoff; misuse of or failure to use flaps; a missing waste gate pivot pin (part number 400460-817) on the right supercharger; and a past history of power problems.

Conclusion

The accident resulted in the total loss of the twin-engine aircraft and minor harm to the pilot. The investigation highlighted a stall occurring after liftoff due to pre-existing equipment deficiencies and operational errors.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Aug 1977 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident near Austin-Robert Mueller, United States of America?

A twin-engine aircraft rolled right and crashed in flames at liftoff. The pilot, sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The accident was attributed to a stall during takeoff run after operating with known equipment deficiencies.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Aug 1977 Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Aug 1977 involved a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain, registration N74906, operated by Private United States of America, at Austin-Robert Mueller, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Stall during takeoff run after the pilot attempted operation with known deficiencies in equipment.