# NTSB CHI87LA215: Piper PA-22-150, N7108B, Belleville, IN, September 20, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 19, 1987, 19:30 local (Sep 20, 1987, 00:30 UTC)
- Place: Belleville, IN
- Coordinates: 39.680168, -86.519943 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.6802&lon=-86.5199&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 11, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13828
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87LA215
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13828/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87LA215

## 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)
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
  - altitude - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT WAS RETURNING TO AN UNLIGHTED PRIVATE AIRSTRIP AFTER A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT. THE SUN HAD SET BUT, ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, THE SKY WAS STILL ILLUMINATED. THE PILOT STATED HE WAS ABLE TO SET UP AN APPROACH, BUT WHEN ESTABLISHED ON FINAL HE 'LOST SIGHT' OF THE RUNWAY. THE PILOT STATED HE EXECUTED A 'LOW' GO-AROUND TO TRY AND SPOT THE RUNWAY, THEN ELECTED TO TRY A SECOND APPROACH. AGAIN THE PILOT REPORTEDLY 'LOST SIGHT' OF THE RUNWAY ON FINAL. THE PILOT STATED HE DECIDED TO PERFORM ANOTHER GO-AROUND AND FLY TO A NEAR-BY AIRPORT WITH LIGHTS. THE PILOT WAS STARTING THE SECOND GO-AROUND ATTEMPT WHEN THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A FENCE, FLIPPING IT OVER ONTO ITS BACK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7108B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7108B-2013-07-23), registration cancelled 2013-07-23, S/N 22-4324, built 1956 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 224324
- Airframe hours: 2640
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A1A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James R. Draper
- Registered owner: James R Draper
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 19, 1987, 10 hours before
- Departed: 68I, BELLEVILLE, IN
- Airport: 68I, Cooper Pvt, runway 27, 2,000 × 80 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 159 total, 10 in this make and model, 159 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 220° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: IND, 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 19870919053619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870919053619A), Sep 19, 1987: Piper STCPA22, Belleville, IN, Substantial damage. On second go around attempt aircraft collided with a fence at the end of an unlighted private strip. Flipped over.

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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