The NTSB released its preliminary report (ERA23FA181) regarding the investigation into the Piper Cherokee Lance (N635BD) accident after takeoff from Venice, Florida.
On April 5, a Piper PA 32R Cherokee Lance descended into the Gulf of Mexico at night during the initial climb after takeoff from Runway 23 at Venice Municipal Airport in Venice, Florida. Sadly, all four people on board the airplane perished in the accident.
The weather was VFR with 10 miles visibility, calm winds, and a clear sky and full moon when the Lance took off over dark water with no discernable horizon.
In Early Analysis: Black Hole Departure—Venice, Florida, the AOPA Air Safety Institute (ASI) makes a preliminary assessment of the accident, addressing notable portions of the tragic flight and highlighting areas the NTSB will likely investigate to determine a probable cause.
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