September 21, 2011, Truckee, Calif., Piper PA-23-250 Aztec

At about 0922 Pacific time, the airplane sustained substantial damage after impacting terrain following a loss of control during initial climb. The solo private pilot sustained serious injuries. Visual conditions prevailed. According to a witness, the airplane initially climbed to an altitude of between 50 and 100 feet agl before it began to veer to the left. The airplane then simultaneously pitched up to about a 30-degree angle, and then entered a left-wing-down, nose-down attitude.

Editorial Staff

Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

A private pilot sustained serious injuries after their airplane experienced a loss of control during initial climb and impacted terrain.
The aircraft veered left, pitched up, and entered a nose-down attitude before crashing approximately 50-100 feet above ground level.
The impact caused the airplane to cartwheel, resulting in a post-crash fire that consumed the cabin and cockpit, and substantial damage including a separated left wing.

See a mistake? Contact us.

According to a witness, the airplane initially climbed to an altitude of between 50 and 100 feet agl before it began to veer to the left. The airplane then simultaneously pitched up to about a 30-degree angle, and then entered a left-wing-down, nose-down attitude. The airplane subsequently impacted terrain with its left wing and cartwheeled before coming to rest on the airport’s west parking ramp in an upright position. A post-crash fire consumed the cabin and cockpit areas, while the left wing was observed separated. The empennage remained intact.