Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) crash, Feb 17, 1983 (5 killed)
Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) accident on February 17, 1983 near San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs, California, United States with 5 fatalities. Cause:...
- Date: February 17, 1983
- Aircraft: Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601)
- Location: San Diego-Montgomery-Gibbs, California, United States
- Fatalities: 5
- Phase of flight: Takeoff and climb
- Cause: Partial loss of engine power from improper maintenance, with the pilot continuing takeoff with known deficiencies, exceeding weight limits and not aborting.
A Ted Smith Aerostar lost altitude after takeoff from San Diego Montgomery Gibbs at night and force landed on a street, hitting a car and a pole and burning. All five occupants died. Faulty ignition and propeller governor maintenance and overweight loading were found.