Piper PA28 N43078 accident near Hampton, New Hampshire

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to properly set the stabilator trim prior to takeoff, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot reported that the airplane lifted off normally but would not climb. The airplane cleared trees at the end of the runway before descending and impacting a wooded area. Two witnesses reported and airport surveillance video confirmed that the airplane lifted off in an extreme nose-up attitude and remained in that attitude as it descended below trees at the end of the runway. Examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. During the examination, the stabilator trim was found in the full nose-up position. The pre-takeoff checklist for the airplane included instructions to properly set the stabilator trim prior to takeoff. It is likely that the stabilator trim position resulted in the airplane's extreme nose-up attitude, which led to an exceedance of the airplane's critical angle of attack during the initial climb and an aerodynamic stall.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15LA237 for the full record.