Piper PA-32R-301 N318JM accident near Oxford, Mississippi

Probable cause

The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the initial takeoff climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot conducted a normal pre-flight inspection and engine run-up. According to the pilot, after taking off from the runway, the airplane started drifting to the right and did not gain as much altitude as expected. The pilot attempted to correct the drift, but the airplane impacted the ground and slid into trees resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, stabilator, and both wings. The pilot stated that he likely stalled the airplane.

Airport surveillance video depicted the airplane during the takeoff. The airplane’s pitch attitude increased as it rotated and climbed from the runway to about 100 ft above ground level. The airplane appeared to have maintained a nose-high attitude as it descended into terrain.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA387 for the full record.