# NTSB CHI93LA173: Piper PA-11, N16686, Thedford, NE, May 15, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 15, 1993, 08:00 local (13:00 UTC)
- Place: Thedford, NE
- Coordinates: 41.970584, -100.570976 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.9706&lon=-100.5710&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15717
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93LA173
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15717/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA173

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN ON WHICH TO LAND AND HIS EXCESSIVE USE OF BRAKES.

## Sequence of events

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

- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - excessive, pilot in command
  - brakes(normal) - excessive, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED HIS GROUNDSPEED DURING LANDING WAS TOO FAST SO HE APPLIED EXCESSIVE BRAKING.  THE AIRPLANE CONTACTED A 'DIP' IN THE PASTURE AND THAT COMBINED WITH THE EXCESSIVE BRAKING RESULTED IN THE AIRPLANE NOSING OVER. THE PILOT HAD NOT USED THIS PASTURE FOR LANDING PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N16686](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N16686), registered now, S/N 11-JRS-3 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-11
- Registry model: [Piper-Smith PA-11](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-smith-pa-11) (registry code 7101103) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C90 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c90-series) (registry code 17009, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 11-JRS-3
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-90-8F 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John M. Finney
- Registered owner: John M. Finney
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 12, 1992
- Departed: SENECA, NE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 252 total, 193 in this make and model, 215 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F

## 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 19930515013979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930515013979A), May 15, 1993: Piper PA11, Thedford, NE, Substantial damage. Landed fast in a pasture. Used excessive braking. Nosed over in a depression in the pasture.

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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