Piper PA-28-140 N270SA accident near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed for unknown reasons during the initial climb, which resulted in an inadvertent aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that after takeoff, as the airplane climbed above the height of the nearby houses, the airspeed and altitude began to decrease. Unable to climb, he allowed the airplane to drift to the right to avoid “putting anything in danger.” As he began a right turn, he lowered the nose to remain under transmission lines, but the airplane seemed to immediately “fall out of the sky.” The airplane subsequently impacted the ground and slid to a stop, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. A calculation of the weight and balance revealed that the airplane was within both weight and center of gravity limitations.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA303 for the full record.