At about 1354 Mountain time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted a high school building during takeoff initial climb. Visual conditions prevailed. The private pilot and three passengers were killed. There were no reported ground injuries. A witness reported the airplane “used more runway than used by most of the other small aircraft during takeoff.” After takeoff, the airplane was “rocking side to side” and appeared to be “having trouble gaining altitude.” The witness further reported that the airplane “gained altitude” then “lost altitude” three or four times. He added that prior to impacting the school building, the airplane banked in a counterclockwise direction. A second witness reported the “engine was wound up” and “seemed to be running strong.”
June 11, 2010, Eagar, Ariz., Piper PA-32R-300
At about 1354 Mountain time, the airplane was substantially damaged when it impacted a high school building during takeoff initial climb. Visual conditions prevailed. The private pilot and three passengers were killed. There were no reported ground injuries.
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane crashed into a high school building during takeoff, resulting in the deaths of the private pilot and three passengers.
- Witnesses observed the aircraft used excessive runway, was "rocking side to side," and repeatedly gained and lost altitude before impacting the building.
- Despite the erratic flight path and difficulty gaining altitude, one witness reported the engine "seemed to be running strong."
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