# NTSB CHI86LA165: Piper PA-28-140, N32858, Culver, IN, July 7, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 7, 1986, 07:45 local (12:45 UTC)
- Place: Culver, IN
- Coordinates: 41.209445, -86.420516 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.2094&lon=-86.4205&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): 13482
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86LA165
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13482/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA165

## 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) (cause)
  - aircraft performance,takeoff capability - inadequate (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - aircraft manuals,performance information - inadequate (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - delayed, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PLT INITIATED THE TAKEOFF, HOWEVER, THE CFI TOOK OVER CONTROL OF THE ACFT WHEN IT BECAME APPARENT THAT THE ACFT WAS NOT CLIMBING. THE CFI WAS UNABLE TO SALVAGE THE TAKEOFF AND THE ACFT STRUCK AND SETTLED INTO TREES AT THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RWY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N32858 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 287525122
- Airframe hours: 1730
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Culver Educational Foundation, doing business as Culver Military Academy
- Registered owner: Bob Roehm
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 16, 1986

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 307 total, 42 in this make and model, 286 as pilot in command, 72 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19860707030899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860707030899A), Jul 7, 1986: Piper PA28140, Culver, IN, Destroyed. The aircraft settled into trees during takeoff. No mechanical problems found. Suspect density altitude a factor.

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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