Piper PA-24-250 N7548P accident near Madison, Indiana

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain proper airspeed during takeoff and exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during the takeoff rotation there was a slight vibration in the airplane and the controls felt “mushy.” The pilot lost aircraft control as the left wing stalled and dropped. The pilot aborted the takeoff and managed to get the wings level before impacting a ditch and coming to rest upright in a field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Airport management personnel reviewed an airport security camera video that captured the accident sequence. The video was consistent with the pilot’s description of the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA146 for the full record.