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January 11, 2002 · Piper PA-22-108 · N4895Z

Tehachapi, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 11, 2002
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Tehachapi, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-108
Tail Number
N4895Z
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX02LA064

The airplane stalled and descended to the ground while maneuvering to gain altitude shortly after takeoff. According to a sheriff's deputy, who witnessed the accident, the airplane departed runway 29, and barely cleared power lines during the initial climb. The airplane performed two 360-degree turns south of the airport and stalled, impacting in a field about 4,200 msl. The airport is located at 3,993 feet msl. Post accident examination by an FAA inspector determined that the fuel tanks were full at the time of departure. The density altitude was calculated about 5,000 feet msl. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions. The pilot's recommendation as to how the accident could have been prevented was taking off with less weight and at cooler temperatures.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering in an attempt to gain altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush. The high density altitude was a factor in the accident.

Full Narrative

On January 11, 2002, at 1320 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-22-108, N4895Z, collided with the ground during the takeoff initial climb near Tehachapi, California. The personal flight was operated by the pilot/owner under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane was substantially damaged; the private pilot and passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated about 1310, and was destined for Scottsdale, Arizona. According to a sheriff's deputy, who witnessed the accident, the airplane departed runway 29, and barely cleared power lines during the initial climb. The airplane performed two 360-degree turns south of the airport and stalled, impacting in a field about 4,200 mean sea level (msl). The airport is located at 3,993 feet msl. Post accident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector determined that the fuel tanks were full at the time of departure. The density altitude was calculated about 5,000 feet msl. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions. The pilot's recommendation as to how the accident could have been prevented was with less weight and cooler temperatures.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:20 PST
Nearest AirportTehachapi Municipal (0nm)
Runway29
Runway Length4035 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-22-108
Tail NumberN4895Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-C1B · Reciprocating · 108
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.35 inHg
Observation Time21:46
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data