Piper PA24-180 | N5520P

2024-01-31 | Eufala, Alabama

Accident Location

  • City: Eufala
  • State: Alabama
  • Latitude: 31.951
  • Longitude: -85.129
  • Airport ID: KEUF

Aircraft Info

  • N Number: N5520P
  • Make: Piper
  • Model: PA24-180
  • Aircraft Category: Aircraft Single Engine Land
  • Amateur Built: No

Pilot Info

  • PIC Name: O'Donnell, Nathan
  • Gender: Male
  • Pilot Age: 35
  • Pilot Hours:
  • Flight School: No
  • Instructional Flight: No
  • Pilot Certification: Commercial Pilot
  • IFR Rating: Yes
  • Pilot Error: Yes
  • Pilot Medical: 1st Class Medical
  • Pilot Incapacitation: No

Analysis

  • Date: 2024-01-31
  • Time: 2024-01-31 Local Time
  • Day / Night: Day
  • VMC / IMC: VMC
  • Phase Of Flight: Takeoff
  • Total People Onboard: 1
  • PIC Fatality: 1
  • PAX Fatalities: 0
  • Ground Fatalities: 0
  • Total Fatalities: 1
  • NTSB No: ERA24FA102
  • NTSB Travel: Unknown
  • AQP Classification: 21) THE IMPOSSIBLE TURN, U-FIT

Probable Cause

DTSB: The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot error, in his attempt to return to the departure airport upon encountering an unknown abnormal after takeoff. The aircraft entered an immediate and aggressive left turn in an apparent attempt to return. The aircraft stalled and spun to the left and impacted nearly vertical and left wing low.

NTSB: NONE

Recommendation

DTSB: The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft become aware of the AQP scenario number 21, the Impossible turn, and condition themselves to lower the nose and land straight ahead during loss of thrust or reduction of thrust after takeoff.
The DTSB recommends Straight ahead

NTSB: NONE

DISCLAIMER: All data and Probable Cause listings are “Probable” only. They are based on opinion and educated speculation, and are for educational purposes only. They may contain incorrect information and are subject to change as new information becomes available.