Event LAX02LA064

Factual narrative

On January 11, 2002, at 1320 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-22-108, N4895Z, collided with the ground during the takeoff initial climb near Tehachapi, California. The personal flight was operated by the pilot/owner under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The airplane was substantially damaged; the private pilot and passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated about 1310, and was destined for Scottsdale, Arizona. According to a sheriff's deputy, who witnessed the accident, the airplane departed runway 29, and barely cleared power lines during the initial climb. The airplane performed two 360-degree turns south of the airport and stalled, impacting in a field about 4,200 mean sea level (msl). The airport is located at 3,993 feet msl. Post accident examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector determined that the fuel tanks were full at the time of departure. The density altitude was calculated about 5,000 feet msl. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions. The pilot's recommendation as to how the accident could have been prevented was with less weight and cooler temperatures. The airplane stalled and descended to the ground while maneuvering to gain altitude shortly after takeoff. According to a sheriff's deputy, who witnessed the accident, the airplane departed runway 29, and barely cleared power lines during the initial climb. The airplane performed two 360-degree turns south of the airport and stalled, impacting in a field about 4,200 msl. The airport is located at 3,993 feet msl. Post accident examination by an FAA inspector determined that the fuel tanks were full at the time of departure. The density altitude was calculated about 5,000 feet msl. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions. The pilot's recommendation as to how the accident could have been prevented was taking off with less weight and at cooler temperatures. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12