WPR18LA105

Factual narrative

On March 10, 2018, about 1655 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, N6611J, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Montague, California. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he was performing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings when he "took off and something wasn't right." The pilot explained that the engine did not lose power, but the airplane was not "producing lift." The pilot performed a forced landing, during which the airplane contacted power lines and subsequently impacted terrain about 1 mile east of the runway. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit controls to the respective flight control surfaces. The wing flap torque tubes were consistent with the flaps being retracted at the time of impact. The propeller remained attached to the engine. Both propeller blades exhibited chordwise scoring and leading-edge gouges. The engine remained attached to the fuselage and displayed no major visible impact damage. During a test run, the engine ran smoothly and continuously at various power settings. There was no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that, during takeoff following a touch-and-go landing, the airplane would not climb. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing, during which the airplane contacted power lines and terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. Following the accident, the engine was successfully run on the airframe at various power settings with no anomalies noted. Flight control continuity was established throughout the airframe, and there was no evidence of any preimpact malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane. Given the available information, the reason for the impact with powerlines and terrain after takeoff could not be determined. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined
• — Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Climb rate-Not attained/maintained