# NTSB CHI88FA203: Piper PA-20, N7791K, Claypool, IN, September 5, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 5, 1988, 11:25 local (16:25 UTC)
- Place: Claypool, IN
- Location: 41.1308° N, 85.8823° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Claypool, IN, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.1308&lon=-85.8823&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13963
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI88FA203
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13963/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI88FA203

## Probable cause

PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A SUFFICIENT VISUAL LOOKOUT AND PERFORM A PULL UP IN TIME TO AVOID COLLISION WITH A TREE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7791K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7791K-1989-03-22), registration cancelled 1989-03-22, S/N 20617 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-20
- Registry model: [Piper PA-20](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-20) (registry code 7102002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 20-617
- Airframe hours: 1700
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-D 125 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Milam, Larry L.
- Registered owner: Milam, Larry L
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 1988, 12 hours before
- Departed: 8I3, KOKOMO, IN
- Destination: C92, MENTONE, IN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 190 total, 35 in this make and model, 10 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 10 knots, gusting 16
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FWA, 34 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 19880905036769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880905036769A), Sep 5, 1988: Piper PA20, Claypool, IN, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Buzzed area of parents home. Struck a lone high tree and spun into ground.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.