# NTSB WPR23LA329: Piper PA-28-180, N33094, Kanab, UT, August 30, 2023 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: August 30, 2023, 09:42 local (15:42 UTC) - Place: Kanab, UT · Kanab Municipal Airport - Coordinates: 37.02555, -112.52446 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0256&lon=-112.5245&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 4 uninjured - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 192970 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR23LA329 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/192970/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=192970 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA329 ## Probable cause The pilot's decision to take off in high density altitude conditions, which resulted in a loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot; cases with it: [Piper PA-28-180, 25 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=7102808), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Temp/humidity/pressure: high density altitude](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031020): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Piper PA-28-180, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031020/cases.md?model=7102808), [All aircraft, 278 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03031020/cases.md) - [Aircraft capability: takeoff distance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061025): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Related operating info; cases with it: [Piper PA-28-180, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061025/cases.md?model=7102808), [All aircraft, 67 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061025/cases.md) - [Aircraft capability: takeoff distance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061025): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Attain/maintain not possible; cases with it: [Piper PA-28-180, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061025/cases.md?model=7102808), [All aircraft, 67 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01061025/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-180, 67 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=7102808), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-180, 13 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=7102808), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot departed from a local airport with the airplane 50 lbs under its maximum gross weight of 2,500 pounds. During takeoff, the pilot selected two notches of flaps and began the takeoff roll with full power. The airplane lifted off but would not gain airspeed. The pilot retracted the flaps one notch at a time and the airplane began to descend. The pilot lowered the nose to gain airspeed to clear a set of powerlines; after he pulled up to clear the powerlines, the airplane impacted a road just beyond the airport perimeter, breaching a fence and coming to rest in a hay field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The engine was run on a test stand and ran smoothly during the operational check, with no unusual indications. Audio provided from a nearby surveillance camera confirmed the engine was developing power until shortly before the crash. The reason for a reduction of power prior to impact could not be determined. The airplane was able to become airborne in ground effect; however, once the airplane left ground effect, the high density altitude, greater induced drag, and reduction of flaps likely rendered the airplane incapable of sustaining flight outside of ground effect. ## Factual narrative On August 30, 2023, about 0942 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-28 Archer, N33094, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Kanab, Utah. The pilot and three passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that during a takeoff attempt at full power, with two notches of flaps selected and about 60 feet above the ground, the airplane’s airspeed dropped and the engine lost power. The pilot maneuvered to avoid powerlines and executed an emergency landing in a field off the departure end of the runway. A witness’ residential security camera captured audio near the Kanab Municipal Airport (KNB), Kanab, Utah. The audio recorded the sound of a change in engine RPM consistent with a reduction in engine power immediately followed by the sound of impact. The pilot reported he began giving rides at 7:00am in the morning until 9:42am, the time of the accident. The temperature had climbed about 20° F in that amount of time. The airplane had been performing normally during the previous flights and had not had any issues. The airplane pre takeoff checks had been performed and the mixture leaned for takeoff. The pilot reported that the airplane was within the maximum gross weight of 2,500 lbs and within the center of gravity limitation of the airplane during the accident flight. A review of the estimated weight and balance of the airplane during the accident flight, found that the airplane was near the maximum gross weight. The pilot estimated that given the weather conditions at the time of the accident, the airplane should have been capable of just under 450 ft per minute (fpm) rate of climb. The calculated density altitude at the accident location and time of the accident was about 6,782 ft. Utilizing the performance instructions noted within the airplane flight manual, the assumed altitude and density altitude conditions, and an airplane loaded at maximum gross weight, the calculated climb performance would have been about 380 fpm. A postaccident airframe and engine examination, with a subsequent engine test run, revealed that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Shortly after the accident, the pilot stated to an FAA representative that the engine never stopped running and that there were no preaccident mechanical issues. The pilot later retracted the statement. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N33094](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N33094-2025-02-18), registration cancelled 2025-02-18, S/N 28-7505122, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-180 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-7505122 - Year built: 1975 - Airframe hours: 3596.96 - Engines: Lycoming O-360-A4A 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, September 1, 2022, 23.62 hours before - Departed: KKNB, Kanab, UT - Destination: 1L8, Hurricane, UT - Flight plan: VFR - Airport: KNB, Kanab Muni, runway 01, 6,200 × 75 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Unknown ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 44; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review June 14, 2023; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 1,156 total, 76 in this make and model, 24 as pilot in command, 26.2 in the last 90 days, 10.3 in the last 30 days, 1.3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 14 °F - Altimeter: 30.22 inHg - Observed at: KKNB, 1 nm away - METAR: METAR KKNB 301550Z AUTO 00000KT 10SM CLR 24/M10 A3022 RMK A01 ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20230830015169A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20230830015169A), Aug 30, 2023: Piper PA-28-180, Kanab, UT, Substantial damage. The aircraft lost power on takeoff and impacted terrain and a fence causing substantial damage to the wings and landing gear. The pilot stated that the… ## Docket (12 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on September 3, 2025, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=192970. 45.3 MB in all. - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 1 page, 3.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16117721&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=6120_%20Kanab,%20UT%20N33094_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Memorandum for record a�� telephone interview, pilot (item 2, PDF, 1 page, 66 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19022930&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Memorandum%20of%20Record%20%20WPR23LA329%20pilot-Rel.pdf - Aircraft & engine logbooks WPR23LA329 (item 3, PDF, 11 pages, 6.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19004453&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Pictures%20Aircraft%20Docs%20Aviation%20Asset_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Factory w&b WPR23LA329 (item 4, PDF, 21 pages, 10.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19006384&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=28-7505122%20factory%20original%20W%26B-Rel.pdf - Weight and balance revision WPR23LA329 (item 5, PDF, 2 pages, 900 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19044101&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Weight%20and%20Balance%20revision%20WPR23LA329_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Weather data (item 6, PDF, 1 page, 80 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18825064&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Weather%20Reports%20and%20Records%20KNB%20700%20950-Rel.pdf - WPR23LA329, weight / balance and performance summary (item 7, PDF, 4 pages, 173 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19033227&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Weight%20and%20balance%20and%20performance%20summary-Rel.pdf - WPR23LA329 engine test run report (item 8, PDF, 7 pages, 1.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19005852&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=WPR23LA329%20Engine%20Test%20Run%20Report-Rel.pdf - Pom PA-28-180 ch 9 excerpt (item 9, PDF, 5 pages, 1.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19029904&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=POM%20PA-28-180%20CH%209%20Excerpt-Rel.pdf - Engine run exam video file (item 10, MOV, 6.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18313765&FileExtension=MOV&FileName=20231121_162155000_iOS-Rel.MOV - Photos (item 11, PDF, 5 pages, 3.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=19002640&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Photo%20WPR23LA329-Rel.pdf - Provided surveillance camera (item 12, MOV, 11.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18313630&FileExtension=mov&FileName=20230830125720209_LNWZ7CF9DDC0A4E-Rel.mov From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.