# NTSB CHI84LA297: Piper PA-28-140, N6762W, North Liberty, IN, July 15, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 15, 1984, 13:10 local (18:10 UTC)
- Place: North Liberty, IN
- Coordinates: 41.530494, -86.429946 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.5305&lon=-86.4299&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12697
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI84LA297
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12697/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84LA297

## 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 - tree(s)
  - compensation for wind conditions - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT HAD CHANGED DEPARTURE RUNWAY DUE TO SHIFTING WINDS OF 10-15 KTS, ELECTING RWY 18 WHEN WIND SEEMED FAVORABLE. ON INITIAL CLIMB, AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE WAS INSUFFICIENT TO CLEAR TREES AT END OF RUNWAY. ACFT CAME TO REST IN TREES. ACFT MANUAL SPECIFIES 2500 FT DISTANCE TO CLEAR 50 FT OBSTACLE, NO-WIND, STANDARD DAY CONDITIONS. PLT STATED THE WIND SHIFTED TO A TAILWIND DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL. REPORTED TEMP 81 DEGS, ARPT ELEVATION 700 FT MSL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6762W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6762W-1985-03-18), registration cancelled 1985-03-18, S/N 28-20888 (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-20888
- Airframe hours: 3700
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kenneth Etter
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 15, 1984
- Destination: I21, INDIANAPOLIS, IN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 377 total, 56 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,600 ft broken
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SBN, 15 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 19840715034879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840715034879A), Jul 15, 1984: Piper PA28140, North Liberty, IN, Substantial damage. Took off on a 2700 ft strip downwind and struck trees. Needed 2500 ft on a paved runway and calm to clear trees.

## Other investigations on N6762W (3)

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 CHI78DEE07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI78DEE07), Nov 5, 1977: Piper PA-28 (N6762W), Schaumburg, IL, substantial damage
- [NTSB CHI74DEV25](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI74DEV25), Oct 24, 1973: Piper PA-28 (N6762W), Rowe, IL, substantial damage
- [NTSB CHI66D0390](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI66D0390), Oct 17, 1965: Piper PA-28 (N6762W), Lombard, IL, 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.

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