# NTSB CHI86FET01: Piper PA-20, N7734K, Rolling Prairie, IN, May 31, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: May 31, 1986, 07:56 local (12:56 UTC)
- Place: Rolling Prairie, IN
- Coordinates: 41.669303, -86.617388 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.6693&lon=-86.6174&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13335
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86FET01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13335/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86FET01

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - delayed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING A GO-AROUND FROM AN ABORTED LANDING THE ACFT STRUCK UNMARKED POWER LINES AT THE DEPARTURE END OF THE LANDING RWY. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN DURING THE RESULTING UNCONTROLLED DESCENT. THE RWY BEING USED WAS A 2400 FT LONG AND 50 FT WIDE SOD PRIVATE STRIP. THIS STRIP WAS NOT CERTIFIED SO NO OBSTRUCTION WARNINGS WERE AVAILABLE. THE PLT FAILED TO REPORT RWY IDENT OR HEADING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N7734K (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-20
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 20-557
- Airframe hours: 2548
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-D 125 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Flowyd A. Williams
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 22, 1986, 5 hours before
- Departed: MGC, MICHIGAN CITY, IN
- Airport: Larry Commings Airstrip

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 72; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 364 total, 69 in this make and model, 308 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SBN, 14 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 19860531020179A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860531020179A), May 31, 1986: Piper PA20, Rolling Prairie, IN, Substantial damage. Touched down long. Struck powerlines on a go around. Aircraft impacted ground. Unmarked powerlines.

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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