# NTSB ANC91LA120: Piper PA-20, N7404K, Eureka, AK, August 7, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 7, 1991, 09:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Eureka, AK
- Coordinates: 61.410449, -149.17073 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=61.4104&lon=-149.1707&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 24, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5597
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC91LA120
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5597/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC91LA120

## Probable cause

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MANTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL.  CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE CROSSWIND.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, THE PILOT OVER CORRECTED FOR CROSWIND. THE PILOT THEN LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE, CAUSING IT TO EXIT THE GRAVEL BAR AIRSTRIP AND GROUND LOOP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7404K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7404K), registered now, S/N 20-312, built 1950 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-20
- Registry model: [Piper PA-20](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-20) (registry code 7102002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 20-312
- Airframe hours: 2294
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C1 125 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: David Hannam
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 9, 1991, 18 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 450 total, 290 in this make and model, 425 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 41 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19910807034849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910807034849A), Aug 7, 1991: Piper PA20, Eureka, AK, Substantial damage. Over corrected for crosswind takeoff from gravel bar. Lost control and ground looped.

## Other investigations on N7404K (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB CHI72DEM62](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI72DEM62), Apr 27, 1972: Piper PA-20 (N7404K), Charlotte, MI, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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