# NTSB CHI83LA331: Piper PA-28-140, N71SA, Charlotte, MI, July 25, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 24, 1983, 21:35 local (Jul 25, 1983, 01:35 UTC)
- Place: Charlotte, MI
- Coordinates: 42.55941, -84.830276 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.5594&lon=-84.8303&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12276
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI83LA331
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12276/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83LA331

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - touch-and-go - performed, pilot in command
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - object - animal(s) (cause)

## Analysis

DURING THE TAKEOFF PORTION OF A NIGHT TOUCH-AND-GO, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A DEER THAT RAN INTO THE ACFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N71SA](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N71SA), registered now, S/N 28-7125607, built 1971 (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: 28-7125607
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gerald G. Duffy
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, October 16, 1982
- Departed: 09G, MASON, MI
- Airport: 07G, Fitch H. Beach, runway 2, 3,000 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 644 total, 24 in this make and model, 573 as pilot in command, 23 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 70° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LAN, 10 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 19830724036049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830724036049A), Jul 24, 1983: Piper PA28140, Charlotte, MI, Substantial damage. During touch and go landing deer ran into side of airplane.

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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