# NTSB ATL91LA140: Piper PA-32R-300, N75173, Boone, NC, July 23, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 23, 1991, 10:15 local (14:15 UTC)
- Place: Boone, NC
- Coordinates: 36.199569, -81.659896 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1996&lon=-81.6599&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8442
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL91LA140
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8442/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA140

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER'S PROCEDURES RELATED TO TAKEOFF PERFORMANCE. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, THE HIGH OBSTRUCTIONS, AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPEREINCE WITH TAKEOFF OPERATIONS AT HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE.

## 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
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/mush
  - lack of total experience in type operation, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT WAS PLANNING A FLIGHT FROM AN AIRSTRIP LOCATED IN A MOUNTAINOUS RESORT AREA.  HE COMPUTED THE DENSITY ALTITUDE (D.A.) TO BE 5,800 FEET, AND THE TAKEOFF GROSS WEIGHT WAS 95 POUNDS UNDER MAX GROSS TAKEOFF WEIGHT. AFTER TAKEOFF, CLIMB CAPABILITY STAGNATED AND THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO CLEAR PINE TREES LOCATED PAST THE DEPARTURE END, HE ATTEMPTED TO FLY AROUND THEM. THE AIRPLANE STALLED, COLLIDED WITH PINE TREES, AND THEN CRASHED ONTO GOLF COURSE. THE PILOT HAD NO EXPERIENCE FLYING INTO OR OUT OF HIGH ATLITUDE AIRPORTS. WHEN ASKED IF HE HAD LEANED THE MIXTURE FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE UNDER HIGH D.A. CONDITIONS, HE SAID THAT HE WAS UNAWARE OF SUCH A PROCEDURE. THE PILOT PLANNED FOR A BEST CLIMB SPEED OF 70 KTS; HOWEVER, THE OPERATING HANDBOOK RECOMMENDED 87 KNOTS WHEN OBSTACLE CLEARANCE WAS A FACTOR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N75173](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N75173-1991-08-28), registration cancelled 1991-08-28, S/N 32R7680275 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-300
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32R-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32r-300) (registry code 7103213) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-7680275
- Airframe hours: 1647
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1A5D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Abshire, David L
- Registered owner: Abshire, David L
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 27, 1991
- Destination: HAO, HAMILTON, OH
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: 5A3, Boone, runway 31, 2,700 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 434 total, 45 in this make and model, 299 as pilot in command, 22 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HKY, 30 nm away

## 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 19910723029679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910723029679A), Jul 23, 1991: Piper PA32R300, Boone, NC, Substantial damage. High density altitude,unable to climb,crashed into trees on takeoff. No mechanical failure.

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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