Piper PA 28R-200 N33732 accident near West Jordan, Utah

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to account for operation at high density altitude at or near the airplane’s maximum gross weight, which led to degraded engine performance and prevented the airplane from achieving an adequate airspeed for a positive rate of climb, resulting in a forced off-airport landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that in preparation for the cross-country flight, he performed a weight and balance calculation and determined that the weight was just below maximum gross weight. The weather advisory from 25 minutes before the accident, the density altitude was 7,400 ft. Before takeoff, he performed run-up checks and leaned the mixture. The pilot stated that after the airplane lifted off, the airplane climbed about 80 mph to about 350 ft to 400 ft above ground level then stopped climbing; the airspeed would not increase above 80 mph and the stall indication light was on. The pilot lowered the nose of the airplane a little to gain additional airspeed, but the airspeed did not increase above 80 mph. The pilot attempted to return to the airport, but about 30° into a right downwind turn, the airplane began to lose altitude, and to the airplane would not reach the runway. The pilot flew under power lines and subsequently landed the airplane in an uneven open field, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's left wing.

An examination and successful engine run revealed no evidence of a mechanical failure or malfunction that would have precluded normal operation.

It is likely that with the airplane at or near gross weight and was taking off at a high density altitude, which would degrade engine performance; thus, the airplane was not able to attain an airspeed sufficient to maintain a positive climb rate.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR17LA183 for the full record.