Piper PA-22 accident near Kemp, Texas, July 19, 2008
On July 19, 2008 at about 8:40 pm local time, a Piper PA-22, registered N9980D, was destroyed in an accident during initial climb near Kemp, Texas (Connie'S Aviation Airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 3 people were killed. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering, which led to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent loss of control.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- July 19, 2008 · about 8:40 pm local time
- Place
- Kemp, Texas · Connie'S Aviation Airport · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 3 people were killed.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Piper PA-22 · all PA-22s on the register
- Registration
- N9980D · no longer on the register · serial 22-6772
- Damage
- Destroyed
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
Shortly after takeoff, the airplane was observed making a left turn toward the downwind leg. As it made the turn, the airplane’s left wing dropped and the airplane descended into a steep dive, consistent with an aerodynamic stall. The airplane impacted the ground in an open lot. The witness also reported that the engine sound did not change during the flight/accident sequence. An on-site examination revealed that propeller markings and ground scars were consistent with the engine producing power at impact. Additionally, the damage to the airplane was consistent with ground impact following an aerodynamic stall and loss of control. Flight control cable continuity was established. The elevator pitch trim was found in the "neutral" position and the flaps were in the retracted position. No preimpact mechanical anomalies were found after the wreckage examination. Witnesses reported the weather at the time of the accident was "hot", with winds blowing 5-10 knots, with gusts "maybe as high as 20 knots." The density altitude was calculated to be about 2,927 feet. Using an approximation of the weights of the 3 occupants and fuel, the airplane was estimated to be near its maximum take-off limit at the time of the accident flight. These aspects require critical attention to airspeed in order to maintain maneuvering flight.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Loss of control in flight during initial climb defining event
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during uncontrolled descent
The NTSB's findings
- cause Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability › Performance/control parameters › Airspeed › Not attained/maintained
- cause Personnel issues › Task performance › Use of equip/info › Aircraft control › Pilot
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land
- Flight time: 1,500 hours in all
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: fatal
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 4,655 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, February 17, 2008
- Maximum gross weight: 2,000 lb
- Seats: 4
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Lycoming O-320 (piston); 0 hours total
- Fire on the ground
The flight
- Departed from: Kemp TX at 8:40 pm
- Destination: 9F( Fort Worth TX
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 09, 1,600 ft by 60 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 200° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 97°F (36°C), dew point 61°F (16°C)
- Altimeter: 29.96 inHg
- Observation at 8:53 pm from KTRL, 20 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 2 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.