6 fatal · PIPER PA 24-260 · 2018-04-10 · Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Event
NTSB number
WPR18FA119
Event ID
20180410X32846
Type
Accident
Date
2018-04-10
Location
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Coordinates
33.635555, -111.897781
Injuries
Highest injury
FATL
Fatal
6
Serious
0
Minor
0
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
6
Aircraft
Make
PIPER
Model
PA 24-260
Registration
N9456P
FAR Part
091
Engines
1
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
NITE
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The flight instructor's failure to maintain airplane control during the initial climb as a result of the airplane being loaded above its maximum gross weight and beyond its aft center of gravity limits. Contributing to the accident was a degraded engine power output due to a preexisting engine cylinder intake valve spring failure, which further reduced the airplane's climb capability.