# NTSB CHI83LA241: Piper PA-28-140, N55270, Big Lake, MN, June 4, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 4, 1983, 18:55 local (23:55 UTC)
- Place: Big Lake, MN
- Location: 45.3424° N, 93.7430° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Big Lake, MN, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.3424&lon=-93.7430&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12197
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI83LA241
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12197/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83LA241

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A RAILROAD SIGN DURING APPROACH TO A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP. THE WEATHER WAS VMC BUT THERE WAS A CROSS-WIND OF ABOUT 15 KTS AND A LOW SUN CREATING SUNGLARE. THE ACFT DRIFTED TO THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE RWY DUE TO WIND AND COLLIDED WITH THE SIGN. THE PLT WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY SEEING THE RWY OR OBSTRUCTION BECAUSE OF THE SUNGLARE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N55270](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N55270), registered now, S/N 28-7325356, built 1973 (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: 28-7325356
- Airframe hours: 412
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Curtis Buck
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 23, 1982
- Departed: 14D, PRINCETON, MN
- Airport: Hooks, runway 27, 1,850 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 212 total, 37 in this make and model, 157 as pilot in command, 47 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19830604025619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830604025619A), Jun 4, 1983: Piper PA28140, Big Lake, MN, Substantial damage. Drifted on level off and blinded by sun,set down on edge of runway and struck a railroad sign. Strong crosswind.

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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