# NTSB Accident ERA17FA072
> **PIPER PA28** · 2016-12-23 · Middlebury, VT, USA · FATL
## Event
- **NTSB number:** ERA17FA072
- **Event ID:** 20161223X22808
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2016-12-23
- **Location:** Middlebury, VT, USA
- **Coordinates:** 43.981388, -73.094444
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** FATL
- **Fatal:** 1
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 0
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** PIPER
- **Model:** PA28
- **Registration:** N31202
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** SUBS
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to return to the airport following a partial or complete loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb and his failure to maintain sufficient airspeed while maneuvering, which resulted in exceedance of the critical angle of attack and an aerodynamic stall.

---
*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=ERA17FA072) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*