# NTSB CHI91LA111: Piper PA-28-181, N4338C, Morgan, MN, March 19, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 19, 1991, 17:15 local (23:15 UTC)
- Place: Morgan, MN
- Coordinates: 44.410434, -94.920845 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.4104&lon=-94.9208&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15025
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91LA111
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15025/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA111

## Probable cause

A GUY WIRE WAS STRUCK ON TAKEOFF BECAUSE OF INADEQUATE CLEARANCE.  FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE POOR PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT AND OVER CONFIDENCE IN PERSONAL ABILITY.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - guy wire
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF FROM A RURAL GRAVEL ROAD, THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A GUY WIRE.  THE AIRCRAFT'S WING WAS SHEARED OFF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4338C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4338C-1996-12-13), registration cancelled 1996-12-13, S/N 288490045 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-8490045
- Engines: LYCOMING O-260-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Thunderbird Aircraft Co.
- Destination: FCM, MINNEAPOLIS, MN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; flight hours: 200 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: RWF, 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 19910319006239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910319006239A), Mar 19, 1991: Piper PA28181, Minneapolis, MN, Substantial damage. Landed on gravel road to visit friends. Struck powerline guy wire and crashed while attempting a takeoff.

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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