At about 08:00 Atlantic time, a Piper PA-30 crashed shortly after takeoff, killing the pilot. Witnesses said the pilot had trouble starting the right engine, and after it started it made a popping noise. The pilot taxied the airplane to runway 12 and proceeded to take off with the right engine still making a popping sound. After takeoff the airplane climbed to between 250-300 feet with the landing gear still extended. The airplane then began to lose altitude and it was observed turning to the right. As the airplane turned right onto a downwind leg, it suddenly rolled to the right inverted and crashed.
February 08, Ponce, Puerto Rico / Piper Twin Comanche
At about 08:00 Atlantic time, a Piper PA-30 crashed shortly after takeoff, killing the pilot. Witnesses said the pilot had trouble starting the right engine, and after it started it made a popping noise. The pilot taxied the airplane to runway 12 and proceeded to take off with the right engine still making a popping sound. After takeoff the airplane climbed to between 250-300 feet with the landing gear still extended. The airplane then began to lose altitude and it was observed turning to the right. As the airplane turned right onto a downwind leg, it suddenly rolled to the right inverted and crashed....
Key Takeaways:
- A Piper PA-30 crashed shortly after takeoff at approximately 08:00 Atlantic time, killing the pilot.
- Witnesses observed the right engine had difficulty starting and made a persistent popping noise, which continued throughout the takeoff.
- The airplane climbed to 250-300 feet with extended landing gear before losing altitude, turning right, and then suddenly rolling inverted and crashing.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
