# NTSB CHI86LA223: Piper PA-24-180, N7277P, Danville, IN, September 13, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 13, 1986, 15:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Danville, IN
- Coordinates: 39.759987, -86.523413 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7600&lon=-86.5234&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): 13523
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86LA223
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13523/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA223

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT VEERED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE GRAVEL RUNWAY DURING THE TAKEOFF GROUND ROLL. THE PILOT STATED THAT THE AIRSTRIP WAS SURROUNDED BY CORNSTALKS, AND THAT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE AIRSTRIP, THERE WAS DEEP LOOSE GRAVEL. REPORTEDLY, THE LOOSE GRAVEL CAUGHT THE LEFT WHEEL AND SWERVED THE AIRCRAFT INTO THE CORN FIELD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N7277P (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-24-180
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 242453
- Airframe hours: 2670
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William Shafer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1986
- Departed: 79I, DANVILLE, IN
- Airport: 79I, Temple Field, runway 9, 2,500 × 30 ft, gravel

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,374 total, 162 in this make and model, 1,374 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 16 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: IND, 25 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 19860913046279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860913046279A), Sep 13, 1986: Piper PA24, Danville, IN, Substantial damage. Aircraft departed the left side of the runway into a cornfield.

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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