Event FTW98LA402

Factual narrative

On September 20, 1998, at 1837 central daylight time, a Fairchild M-62A-3 military vintage airplane, N1132N, owned and operated by a private individual, was substantially damaged when it impacted the ground following a loss of control on takeoff from the Buffalo Airport near Amarillo, Texas. The instrument rated commercial pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal, local flight. The 1,635 hour pilot stated in the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that "after takeoff, the aircraft drifted to the right and the airspeed was low" resulting in a stall. He then tried to recover from the stall by lowering the nose, but there was "inadequate altitude." The aircraft impacted a fence then the ground. The FAA inspector reported that the right main landing gear was found separated from the aircraft, resulting in structural damage to the landing gear attaching point. Additionally, the wooden propeller was destroyed and the fabric covering the wings was damaged. The pilot had accumulated a total of five hours in the make and model airplane. Winds at the time of the accident were reported by the pilot as being "no factor." The aircraft stalled after takeoff. The pilot stated that 'after takeoff, the aircraft drifted to the right and the airspeed was low.' He added that he lowered the nose to try and recover but there was 'inadequate altitude.' The aircraft impacted a fence and then the ground. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12