# NTSB Accident WPR18FA119
> **PIPER PA 24-260** · 2018-04-10 · Scottsdale, AZ, USA · FATL
## 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.

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=WPR18FA119) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*