# NTSB investigations: Piper PA-28-140: In flight collision with terrain/water NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports. Page 1 of 2 · 51 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB SEA07FA246](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07FA246.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Alsea, OR · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 2007 · N6735J · Substantial damage > Terrain clearance was not maintained while maneuvering. A low altitude during the maneuver and hilly terrain were factors. - [NTSB LAX05LA318](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05LA318.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Pioche, NV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 26, 2005 · N5031T · Substantial damage > controlled flight into mountainous terrain due to the pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation and his inadequate in-flight decisions, which created a low fuel state emergency situation that led directly to the CFIT during flight assist efforts… - [NTSB LAX03FA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03FA131.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Big Bear Lake, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 6, 2003 · N8719N · Destroyed > the pilot's inadequate decision regarding a departure route and his failure to maintain clearance with rapidly rising mountainous terrain. A factor in the accident was the pilot's impairment by the effects of exposure to marijuana within the 10-hour period… - [NTSB LAX03LA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA079.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Tehachapi, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 1, 2003 · N6087W · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance above the surrounding terrain, and his evasive maneuver to avoid a perceived object. A factor in the accident was the dark night. - [NTSB FTW03FA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW03FA008.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Lakeview, AR · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 2002 · N4344J · Destroyed > the pilot's failure to maintain clearance with the terrain while maneuvering. - [NTSB DEN02LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN02LA073.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Tooele, UT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 2002 · N4690R · Substantial damage > the pilot-in-command failure to obtain/maintain proper rate of climb, resulting in a collision with terrain. Contributing factors were the high density altitude and exceeding the airplane's forward center of gravity limit. - [NTSB SEA01LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA01LA068.md): Piper PA-28 · Scapoose, OR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 30, 2001 · N33657 · Substantial damage > the pilot's failure to maintain a speed above minimum in-flight stall speed (Vs). Factors include gusty winds at the time of the attempted landing. - [NTSB SEA01FA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA01FA064.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Greenwater, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 20, 2001 · N8769N · Destroyed > Failure to maintain clearance from mountainous terrain. - [NTSB CHI01LA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA103.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Port Huron, MI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 16, 2001 · N6532W · Substantial damage > The pilot not maintaing a proper glide path during the simulated forced landing. Factors were flight instructor's inadequate supervision and the wind gusts. - [NTSB LAX00FA314](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00FA314.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Poway, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 2000 · N428FL · Destroyed > The pilot's intentional flight into known adverse weather. - [NTSB CHI99FA356](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI99FA356.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Clinton, IA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 28, 1999 · N5747U · Destroyed > the pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions and not maintaining altitude/clearance. Factors were the low clouds, rain, and dark night conditions. - [NTSB DEN99LA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN99LA101.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Grand Junction, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 1999 · N7556R · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation for the runway and the environment in which he intended to fly. Factors were high-density altitude and a dirt runway. - [NTSB IAD98LA113](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98LA113.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Salem, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 29, 1998 · N32583 · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance from the reeds. A related factor was the wind gusts. - [NTSB FTW98LA294](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA294.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Tulsa, OK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 3, 1998 · N1656J · Substantial damage > The airplane's impeded climb performance for undetermined reasons. A factor was the rising terrain. - [NTSB FTW97LA250](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA250.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Ashdown, AR · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 1997 · N1798J · Destroyed > The inadvertent stall/mush. A factor was the high density altitude. - [NTSB FTW97LA236](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA236.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Leadville, CO · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 27, 1997 · N6306R · Substantial damage > an attempt by the pilot to fly the aircraft over mountainous terrain in a regime that was beyond its climb performance limit. High density altitude was a related factor. - [NTSB SEA97LA149](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA149.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Madras, OR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 21, 1997 · N1357T · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to abort the takeoff. Factors include high vegetation, rough runway, and failure to attain adequate flying speed. - [NTSB LAX96FA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX96FA139.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Moreno Valley, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 22, 1996 · N17D · Destroyed > VFR flight by the noninstrument-rated pilot into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The terrain and adverse weather conditions were related factors. - [NTSB CHI95LA249](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA249.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Kingman, KS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 30, 1995 · N222KC · Substantial damage > the pilot's failure to obtain sufficient airspeed before liftoff, and his delay in aborting the takeoff. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's lack of recent flying experience. - [NTSB CHI94LA230](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94LA230.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Kankakee, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 16, 1994 · N7079R · Substantial damage > The pilot's poor preflight planning preparation by the improper loading of the airplane. - [NTSB MIA94LA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA94LA035.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Hastings, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 4, 1993 · N43113 · Substantial damage > The delayed reaction of the pilot-in-command to compensate for unexpected weather conditions, resulting in damage to the landing gear. - [NTSB BFO93LA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO93LA085.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Paintsville, KY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 13, 1993 · N6001U · Destroyed > Failure of the pilot to maintain adequate altitude or clearance from the terrain. Factors related to the accident were the unfavorable wind condition and the proximity of the hill to the runway. - [NTSB FTW92LA156](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA156.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Rector, AR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 14, 1992 · N15424 · Substantial damage > The pilot's premature liftoff. - [NTSB SEA91FA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91FA170.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Driggs, ID · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 14, 1991 · N501FL · Destroyed > The pilot's poor inflight decision and his improper compensation for wind. Factors were rising, mountainous terrain; high, gusty winds; and a high density altitude. - [NTSB LAX91LA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA273.md): Piper PA-28 · Pacoima, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 22, 1991 · N8745N · Destroyed > The pilot's improper preflight planning/preparation and his failure to attain the proper altitude. - [NTSB LAX91LA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA009.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Agua Dulce, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 13, 1990 · N5809U · Substantial damage > A failure of the pilot to perform preflight planning. - [NTSB SEA90LA139](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA139.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Island Park, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 1990 · N5011T · Substantial damage > Improper planning/decision by the pilot. The high density altitude and the pilot's overconfidence in the aircraft's ability were related factors. - [NTSB ATL90FA093](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90FA093.md): Piper PA-28-140 · East Ellijay, GA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 29, 1990 · N55864 · Destroyed > The non-instrument rated pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. - [NTSB LAX89LA278](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA278.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Butte Meadows, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 14, 1989 · N3795K · Substantial damage > The pilot improper in-flight planning to attain proper altitude to clear the mountainous terrain. Contributing factor(s) was: the high terrain and high density attitude. - [NTSB LAX89FA276](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA276.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Toms Place, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 1989 · N6274W · Destroyed > Failure of the pilot to attain sufficient altitude to clear terrain obstructions before entering a high elevation basin. Contributing to the accident was a high density altitude which reduced the aircraft's climb performance to less than the rate of climb of… - [NTSB FTW89LA125](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89LA125.md): Piper PA-28 · Bulverde, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 1989 · N15558 · Substantial damage > Failure of the pilot to obtain and/or maintain sufficient airspeed to climb after takeoff and his delay in aborting the takeoff. A contributing factor was the rough/uneven terrain. - [NTSB LAX89FA023](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89FA023.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Big Pine, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 22, 1988 · N140RM · Destroyed > Pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude. - [NTSB SEA89LA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA005.md): Piper PA-28-140 · North Fork, ID · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 1, 1988 · N7548R · Destroyed > The pilot flew the aircraft into a box canyon at dawn. The aircraft was unable to outclimb rising terrain. The aircraft impacted heavily wooded terrain at a slow airspeed at 8,000 feet MSL about 50 yards short of the crest. - [NTSB LAX88LA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA260.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Agua Dulce, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 16, 1988 · N33043 · Substantial damage > The pilot attempted a takeoff from a 2,900 ft MSL elevation airport when the observed unofficial outside air temperature was a reported 105 degrees fahrenheit. Although no exact pressure altitude was available an approximate density altitude of 6,300 was… - [NTSB LAX88FA176](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88FA176.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Guatay, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 7, 1988 · N4367J · Destroyed > Failure of the pilot to maintian VFR while flying in mountainous terrain. - [NTSB ATL88FA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88FA056.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Anniston, AL · Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 9, 1987 · N15629 · Substantial damage > The VFR pilot continued the flight into deteriorating weather conditions and attempted to descend below the lowering clouds until the aircraft was too low to turn around safely and return to VFR flight conditions. The aircraft collided with trees and struck… - [NTSB LAX87LA155](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA155.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Anza, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 23, 1987 · N2439T · Substantial damage > During a local sight seeing flt the plt entered a river valley in mountainous terrain at about 1,000 ft AGL. After about 5 miles, the plt decided to exit the narrowing valley with a climbing right turn over a ridge line. About 2/3 of the way up the slope, the… - [NTSB DEN87FA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87FA036.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Rawlins, WY · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 29, 1986 · N4388X · Destroyed > The plt took off on a 7000 ft long runway with a heavy coat of frost on the acft. The acft became airborne and flew in ground effect until it impacted a 30 ft high pile of sand 200 yards beyond the end of the runway. - [NTSB FTW87LA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87LA009.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Pollok, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 28, 1986 · N1325T · Substantial damage > The dual student was receiving emergency landing training. Power was reduced while on approach which resulted in a loss of airspeed and a high sink rate. Corrective action was initiated too late and the aircraft touched down a few feet short. The landing gear… - [NTSB SEA86LA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86LA202.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Preston, ID · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 1986 · N5576F · Substantial damage > The jackson county sheriff reported that the pilot was attempting to take off from a farmer's field and failed to clear a dike. Subsequently, the acft cartwheeled into a county landfill and was damaged. - [NTSB NYC86LA185](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA185.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Lock Haven, PA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 16, 1986 · N32777 · Destroyed > The pilot made a departure from an uncontrolled airport. During the climb in IMC conditions, the aircraft struck trees and crashed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the pilot received serious injuries. The pilot had a clearance, however, the… - [NTSB LAX86LA251](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA251.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Cucamonga, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 14, 1986 · N4593R · Destroyed > During a pleasure x-country flight in the student plt's own acft, he elected to fly over a ridge of hills rather than via a longer route which circumnavigated the hills. While climbing enroute the plt entered a box canyon, experienced a downdraft and collided… - [NTSB CHI85LA298](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA298.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Pepin, WI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 1985 · N38174 · Destroyed > The aircraft traveled three quarters down a 2300 foot sod runway and the pilot attempted to takeoff with 55 KIAS. The aircraft mushed into trees off the end of the runway when the pilot couldn't obtain flying speed. The pilot reported full engine RPM was… - [NTSB NYC85FHJ01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85FHJ01.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Hastings, NY · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Nov 23, 1984 · N32473 · Destroyed > Plt was occupying rt front seat, pax in left. Plt stated he noted eng oil press gage reading low and, recalling prior emerg lndg on golf course due oil starvation, elected precautionary lndg on golf course. Acft overshot intended approach. Plt initiated… - [NTSB NYC85FA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85FA019.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Beverly, MA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 2, 1984 · N9930W · Destroyed > During an approach to land at night, the acft crashed & burned about 3000 ft from the approach end of the rwy. The non-instrument rated plt had been in contact with approach control. He indicated that IFR conditions existed over the arpt & that he was going… - [NTSB LAX84FJA02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84FJA02.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Wailuku Maui, HI · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Aug 30, 1984 · N835FC · Destroyed > The acft collided with rising terrain during a pleasure flt around Hawaii. The plt turned from the shorline inland to look at a waterfall. He started a climb from 500 ft to clear the 2000 ft level. The plt does not remember any of the accident sequence. - [NTSB LAX84FA459](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84FA459.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Yucaipa, CA · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 1984 · N15699 · Destroyed > The acft was observed with its' wing dipping as it flew low over a valley. The acft then touched down in a fld, collidedwith a boulder and a tractor trailer. Examination of the acft disclosed no evidence of a malfunction. The accident site is 6 miles east of… - [NTSB DEN84LA127](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA127.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Monticello, UT · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 13, 1984 · N4FN · Substantial damage > The pilot departed uphill with a tailwind at near gross weight with a high density altitude. The flight was late gettingstarted & an excessive magneto drop was attributed to a fouled plug. The pilot also stated that he was under mental stress. The acft lifted… - [NTSB MIA84LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA84LA071.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Naranjito, PR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 3, 1984 · N15MM · Substantial damage > The acft collided with hilly terrain during a low pass. The plt was preparing to land at a nearby private airstrip. - [NTSB ATL83FA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83FA140.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Crossville, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 20, 1983 · N9600W · Destroyed > The aircraft crashed into hinch mt at the 2700 foot level during cruise flt in IMC weather. The pilot was informed during the initial and subsequent briefings that VFR flt was not recommended for his route. The first leg of the flight from new orleans to… Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=7102802&occurrence=230&page=2 ## The whole list in SQL Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS: ```sql SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('7102802') AND EXISTS (SELECT 1 FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o.case_mkey = x.case_mkey AND o.aircrafts_position = x.position AND o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 230)) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?model=7102802&occurrence=230 --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.