Piper PA28 N6461J accident near Pineville, Louisiana

Probable cause

The airplane’s inability to gain sufficient airspeed after takeoff due to it being at or over its maximum gross weight, which resulted in a loss of control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane at or over its maximum gross weight.

NTSB analysis

Several witnesses observed the airplane takeoff. One witness stated that the airplane seemed to struggle to clear trees at the end of the runway. The airplane made a few turns, and the wings were observed to go vertical in an “apparent stall/spin situation.” Another witness reported that the airplane was “struggling” to climb after takeoff before it descended below the trees. The airplane impacted heavily wooded terrain about 1.5 miles from the departure end of the runway.

Examination of the airframe, flight controls, and engine did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical anomalies. The estimated weight of the airplane at the time of the accident was at or slightly above its maximum gross weight. Based on the witness accounts, no identified pre-impact mechanical anomalies, and its estimated weight, it is likely that the airplane did not have sufficient performance capability to climb after takeoff, resulting in a loss of control.

Although ethanol was identified during toxicology testing of the pilot’s specimens, it was most likely from sources other than ingestion; therefore, its effects did not contribute to the accident. There was not enough available information regarding the pilot’s use of multiple psychoactive medications (as identified in toxicology testing) to determine if effects from the medications contributed to the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN20LA199 for the full record.