The airplane was substantially damaged at about 0718 Pacific time when it impacted terrain during initial climb. The solo commercial pilot was killed. Visual conditions prevailed. A witness in the ATC tower observed the accident airplane depart, reporting it appeared to be “on a normal climb.” As the airplane was about one-half mile beyond the departure end of the runway, it entered an abrupt climb at an approximate 90-degree angle. The witness further stated that the airplane climbed for approximately 200 feet, nosed over, “descended very steeply,” and impacted terrain.
May 14, 2010, Redmond, Ore., Piper PA-24-250 Comanche
The airplane was substantially damaged at about 0718 Pacific time when it impacted terrain during initial climb. The solo commercial pilot was killed. Visual conditions prevailed. A witness in the ATC tower observed the accident airplane depart, reporting it appeared to be "on a normal climb."
Key Takeaways:
- A solo commercial pilot was killed when their airplane crashed during initial climb, sustaining substantial damage.
- After a seemingly normal departure, the aircraft abruptly entered a near 90-degree climb approximately one-half mile beyond the runway.
- The airplane climbed for about 200 feet before nosing over, descending very steeply, and impacting terrain.
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