# NTSB CHI00LA174: Piper PA-28-140, N98117, Grant, MI, June 26, 2000 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 26, 2000, 11:15 local (15:15 UTC) - Place: Grant, MI - Coordinates: 43.330768, -85.809906 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.3308&lon=-85.8099&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 3 minor - Status: Completed, report August 21, 2001 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 49531 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI00LA174 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/49531/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI00LA174 ## Probable cause the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane which resulted in a stall/mush condition. Factors associated with the accident were the trees and gusty wind conditions which resulted in turbulence on takeoff. ## 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 - object - tree(s) (contributing factor) - weather condition - turbulence,terrain induced (contributing factor) - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor) - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - stall/mush (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - crop ## Analysis The airstrip (runway 27) being used for takeoff was bordered by trees on the north and west sides and the winds were from 210 degrees at 15 knots gusting to 20 knots. The pilot stated there was turbulence on takeoff from the left quartering headwind. He reported that at an altitude of 150 to 200 feet above the ground, the right wing "dipped severely down (on knife edge)" and he corrected the attitude, but the airplane started to buffet. In order to avoid going into the wooded area, he banked the airplane to the left to fly over a corn field with a headwind; however, the airplane continued to descend. The pilot reported the airplane descended until it contacted the terrain in the corn field. He stated that just after touch down the nose gear contacted a "large rock" and the airplane spun around prior to coming to rest. ## Factual narrative On June 26, 2000, at 1115 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N98117, collided with the terrain following a loss of control during initial takeoff climb at the Grant Airstrip, Grant, Michigan. The takeoff was being performed on runway 27 (2,517' x 120', grass). The pilot and two passengers received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions and a VFR flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident with a destination of Rollo, Missouri. The airstrip being used for takeoff was bordered by trees on the north and west sides. The pilot reported the winds were from 210 degrees at 15 knots gusting to 20 knots. He stated that on takeoff he encountered turbulence from the left quartering headwind. The pilot reported that at an altitude of 150 to 200 feet above the ground, the right wing "dipped severely down (on knife edge)." He stated that he corrected the attitude, but the airplane started to buffet. The pilot reported that in order to avoid going into the wooded area, he banked the airplane to the left to fly over a corn field with a headwind; however, the airplane continued to descend. The pilot reported the airplane descended until it contacted the terrain in the corn field. He stated that just after touch down the nose gear contacted a "large rock" and the airplane spun around prior to coming to rest. Post accident inspection of the airplane revealed damage to both wings, the firewall and engine mounts. In addition, the nose gear and right main gear were separated from the airplane. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N98117](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N98117-2013-05-30), registration cancelled 2013-05-30, S/N 28-26053, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-28-140 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-26053 - Airframe hours: 2174 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Mark T. Allen - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, June 29, 1999, 243 hours before - Departed: 01C - Destination: H04, ROLLO, MO - Flight plan: VFR - Airport: 01C, Grant, runway 27, 2,517 × 120 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 313 total, 250 in this make and model, 235 as pilot in command, 36 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 210° at 15 knots, gusting 20 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 2,800 ft broken - Temperature: 154 °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 20000626036959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000626036959A), Jun 26, 2000: Piper PA28140, Grant, MI, No damage. (-23) The aircraft departed oic. They climbed to about 200' AGL and encountered turbulence. The aircraft stalled and the pilot elected to turn to the left and… ## Other investigations on N98117 (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 MIA05CA100](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA05CA100), May 7, 2005: Piper PA-28-140 (N98117), Fort Pierce, FL, destroyed. Probable cause: The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision which resulted in fuel exhaustion. A contributing factor in the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation to ensure an… 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. --- 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.