Probable cause
An encounter with windshear during the initial climb after takeoff, resulting in a loss of control and a subsequent hard landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that during initial takeoff climb, the airplane encountered windshear. He was unable to regain control and the airplane touched down hard on the paved runway. The airplane then veered off to the left of the runway and came to rest with the right main and nose landing gear separated from the fuselage. As a result of the impact, the spar sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA363 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 13, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Needles, California
- Nearest airport
- Chemehuevi Valley (49X)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-32-300
- N-number
- N2957N
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.