NTSB releases final report on Lancaster County plane crash

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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on a plane crash that occurred on March 9, 2025 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The Beech A36TC aircraft crashed in the parking lot of a retirement community near Lititz, injuring five people on board. The NTSB determined the probable cause was the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed after takeoff due to being distracted by an opening cabin door, leading to an aerodynamic stall at too low an altitude to recover.

Why it matters

Plane crashes are rare but impactful events that raise concerns about aviation safety and the ability of pilots to respond to in-flight emergencies. This incident highlights the importance of proper weight and balance, pilot training, and aircraft maintenance in preventing such accidents.

The details

According to the NTSB report, the pilot heard a loud "pop" during takeoff and briefly pulled the throttle back before realizing the cabin door had opened. The pilot was unsure if he advanced the throttle again, and noticed the airplane's airspeed was not increasing as he looked for a place to land. A passenger reported the front door opened as soon as the airplane left the ground. The pilot then contacted the control tower to request a return while a front-seat passenger held the door closed. Security video showed the aircraft departing, turning left, losing altitude and rocking its wings, consistent with a mush condition indicating an impending aerodynamic stall, before impact.

• The plane crash occurred on March 9, 2025 around 3:30 p.m.
• The NTSB released its final report on February 12, 2026.

What’s next

The NTSB report will likely prompt further investigation and review of safety protocols for small aircraft, particularly regarding cabin door security and pilot training for in-flight emergencies.