# NTSB CHI82DA167: Piper PA-22-150, N6939B, Harrison, MI, May 16, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 15, 1982, 20:25 local (May 16, 1982, 00:25 UTC)
- Place: Harrison, MI
- Location: 44.0089° N, 84.8062° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Harrison, MI, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.0089&lon=-84.8062&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 15, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70970
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI82DA167
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70970/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI82DA167

## 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
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
  - lift-off - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - proper climb rate - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)
- Main gear collapsed, takeoff

## Analysis

DURING TAKEOFF THE PILOT FAILED TO CLEAR A CHAIN LINK FENCE. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A DITCH AND THE LEFT MAIN LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6939B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6939B-2014-11-13), registration cancelled 2014-11-13, S/N 22-4218, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-4218
- Airframe hours: 3190
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Vernell W. Butcher
- Registered owner: Vernell W. Butcher
- Departed: SAULT SAINT MAR, MI
- Destination: CHEBOYGAN, MI
- Airport: 80D, Harrison, runway 22, 2,540 × 75 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 93 total, 20 in this make and model, 70 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 320° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 167 °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 19820515019309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820515019309A), May 15, 1982: Piper PA22150, Harrison, MI, Substantial damage. Pilot was unable to obtain fuel and was attempting takeoff from taxiway when aircraft struck a fence and crashed.

## Other investigations on N6939B (2)

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 CHI96LA096](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA096), Feb 24, 1996: Piper PA-22-150 (N6939B), Bourbon, IN, substantial damage. Probable cause: Water contamination in the fuel, and an inadequate preflight by the pilot. Factors relating to the accident were: soft terrain in the emergency landing area, and an improper soft field landing…
- [NTSB CHI69F0220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI69F0220), Aug 31, 1968: Piper PA-22 (N6939B), Mecosta, 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.

---
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.