(COLORADO SPRINGS) — An initial report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reveals there were no mechanical issues with a plane that crash landed on North Powers Boulevard on Oct. 1.

The NTSB report details the steps the pilot took before and after takeoff, as well as the plane’s flight data and FAA inspection findings following the crash. The report states that the pilot reported no anomalies with the aircraft, a Piper PA-28R-200, during his pre-flight inspection and that the fuel tanks were topped off. The pilot also calculated the aircraft’s weight, including himself and two passengers, came to approximately 2,477 pounds, about 200 pounds under the plane’s maximum gross weight of 2,650 pounds.

The pilot reported a normal takeoff, though the plane’s speed and rate of climb were slower than expected. The plane reportedly only reached an airspeed of about 80 mph, which is 10 mph beneath the Piper manufacturer’s specified best rate-of-climb airspeed. The pilot reported that he had the engine throttle and propeller control full-forward and could not get the plane to increase speed. The pilot never retracted the landing gear as he never reached a sufficient airspeed or altitude.

With rising terrain ahead, the pilot reported he was unable to climb sufficiently to clear the terrain and made the decision to land on a straight stretch of multi-lane highway nearby, which was Powers Boulevard.

“The pilot stated that shortly before landing the airplane suddenly rolled left and pitched down,” the report states. In the moments before impact, the pilot managed to get the plane level again as it crossed over the northbound lanes to the southbound lanes. The plane landed on all three landing gears simultaneously, before hitting two power poles as it slid to a stop. The engine reportedly continued to run until the pilot hit the fuel cutoff, and he and his passengers were able to exit safely.

FAA data shows the plane’s airspeed was about 72 mph when it made the sudden roll and pitch. The specified stall speed of that particular aircraft at maximum gross weight is 71 mph.

“The airplane wreckage was recovered to a secure storage facility where it was examined by
FAA airworthiness inspectors,” the report states. “The engine examination did not reveal any mechanical anomalies that would have prevented normal operation.”

Weather conditions at the time of the crash were clear skies and a light breeze, according to the report.