Piper PA-22 N9980D

Summary

On 19 July 2008 at about 20:40 local time, a Piper PA-22 registered N9980D was involved in an accident near Kemp, Texas, United States. 3 people were on board and 3 died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

19 July 2008 at 20:40

Classification

Accident

Location

Kemp, Texas, United States

Nearest airport

Connie's Aviation Airport (XA42)

Coordinates

32.3797, -96.3825

Aircraft

Piper PA-22

Registration

N9980D

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Kemp → Fort Worth

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

DFW08FA190

3 people died.

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which led to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff, the airplane was observed making a left turn toward the downwind leg. As it made the turn, the airplane’s left wing dropped and the airplane descended into a steep dive, consistent with an aerodynamic stall. The airplane impacted the ground in an open lot. The witness also reported that the engine sound did not change during the flight/accident sequence. An on-site examination revealed that propeller markings and ground scars were consistent with the engine producing power at impact. Additionally, the damage to the airplane was consistent with ground impact following an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Flight control cable continuity was established. The elevator pitch trim was found in the "neutral" position and the flaps were in the retracted position. No preimpact mechanical anomalies were found after the wreckage examination. Witnesses reported the weather at the time of the accident was "hot", with winds blowing 5-10 knots, with gusts "maybe as high as 20 knots." The density altitude was calculated to be about 2,927 feet. Using an approximation of the weights of the 3 occupants and fuel, the airplane was estimated to be near its maximum take-off limit at the time of the accident flight. These aspects require critical attention to airspeed in order to maintain maneuvering flight.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.