# NTSB BFO89LA040: Piper PA-38-112, N2602L, Criders, VA, June 1, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 1, 1989, 11:36 local (15:36 UTC)
- Place: Criders, VA
- Coordinates: 38.74905, -79.000061 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.7490&lon=-79.0001&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11504
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO89LA040
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11504/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89LA040

## Probable cause

THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE CROSSWIND CONDITIONS ENCOUNTERED DURING THE INITIAL TAKEOFF CLIMB.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE TAKEOFF WAS BEING MADE TO THE EAST ON THE PILOT'S PRIVATE AIRSTRIP. THE PLT REPORTED WINDS FROM THE NORTH AT 5 KTS GUSTING TO 10 KTS. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT AFTER TAKEOFF AT AN ALT OF APRX 30 FT AGL THE ACFT VEERED RIGHT AND DESCENDED INTO A WOODED AREA WHICH BORDERED THE AIRSTRIP. THE PLT REPORTED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES OR MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS OF THE AIRPLANE OR ITS SYSTEMS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2602L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2602L-1998-02-20), registration cancelled 1998-02-20, S/N 3879A0776 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-38-112
- Registry model: [Piper PA-38-112](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-38-112) (registry code 7103812) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 38-79A0776
- Airframe hours: 2099
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Derwitt W. Smith
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 27, 1988, 17 hours before
- Destination: VA86, NEW MARKET, VA
- Airport: Smiths, runway 9, 1,800 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 62; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,750 total, 200 in this make and model, 17 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 5 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19890601013979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890601013979A), Jun 1, 1989: Piper PA38112, Crider, VA, Substantial damage. Drifted into trees on crosswind takeoff. Downdraft over tree line a factor.

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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