# NTSB ATL86LA170: Piper PA-28-235, N9135W, Middle Bass Is., OH, June 15, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 15, 1986, 10:32 local (15:32 UTC)
- Place: Middle Bass Is., OH
- Coordinates: 41.679111, -82.809684 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.6791&lon=-82.8097&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 4 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7130
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA170
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7130/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA170

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in aircraft's ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

HEAVY RAINS HAD FLOODED THE CAUSEWAY THAT CONNECTED MIDDLE BASS ISLAND TO THE MAIN ISLAND. A FAMILY WAS IN NEED OF TRANSPORTATION OFF THE ISLAND AND THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING TO FLY THEM TO THE MAINLAND USING THE 2,100 FOOT GRASS AIRSTRIP. THE AIRSTRIP WAS WET WITH MUDDY RUTS. WITNESSES OBSERVED THE ACFT LIFT OFF AT MIDPOINT THEN SETTLE BACK TO THE RUNWAY. THE ACFT CONTINUED AND LIFTED OFF IN A NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE. THE ACFT DID NOT GAIN ALTITUDE AND COLLIDED WITH TREES OFF THE END OF THE RUNWAY, SETTLED INVERTED AND BURNED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9135W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9135W-1989-03-21), registration cancelled 1989-03-21, S/N 2810754 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-235
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-235) (registry code 7102810) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-10754
- Airframe hours: 1990
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B4B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Feite F.Hofman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 1, 1985
- Departed: OH09, MIDDLE BASS ISL, OH
- Destination: PCW, PORT CLINTON, OH
- Airport: OH09, East Point, runway 9, 2,100 ×  ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,465 total, 1,325 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 11,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 64 °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 19860615024429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860615024429A), Jun 15, 1986: Piper PA28235, Middle Bass Isl, OH, Destroyed. Pilot attempted to takeoff from a rain soaked sod strip. Aircraft was unable to clear trees.

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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