# NTSB CHI94LA179: Piper PA-28-140, N55835, Lodi, WI, May 29, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 29, 1994, 13:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Lodi, WI
- Coordinates: 43.309913, -89.529846 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.3099&lon=-89.5298&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 7, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9548
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI94LA179
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9548/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94LA179

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain direction control which resulted from a inadequate compensation for the crosswind conditions.  Factors related to the accident were the pilot's diverted attention, the crosswind, the trees which were contacted.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED PAYING ATTENTION TO THE AIRSPEED INDICATOR DURING THE INITIAL TAKEOFF CLIMB AND FAILED TO NOTICE THE AIRPLANE DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT.  THE RIGHT WING CONTACTED TREES AND THE AIRPLANE SETTLED INTO A WOODED AREA.  THE TAKEOFF WAS BEING MADE ON RUNWAY 27.  A WEATHER REPORTING FACILITY, 14 NM SOUTHEAST, REPORTED WINDS FROM 190 DEGREES AT 14 KNOTS GUSTING TO 20.

## Factual narrative

On May 29, 1994, at 1330 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28- 140, N55835, operated by Dean W. Boyd collided with trees during takeoff from the Lodi Lakeland Airstrip, a private field, in Lodi, Wisconsin, while on a personal flight.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.  The airplane was substantially damaged.  The pilot and two passengers received minor injuries, a third passenger was seriously injured.  The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that during the takeoff climb, he was paying attention to the airspeed indicator and failed to notice that the airplane had drifted to the right.  The right wing contacted trees at an altitude of 40 to 50 feet above ground level and the airplane settled into a wooded area.  The pilot reported the airplane lifted off approximately 3/4 the way down the runway. The takeoff was being made on runway 27 (1,900' x 75') and reported winds at Madison, Wisconsin, 14 miles southeast, were from 190 degrees at 14 knots gusting to 20 knots.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N55835](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N55835-1997-03-25), registration cancelled 1997-03-25, S/N 287325499 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7325499
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Dean W. Boyd
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 3, 1993
- Airport: C76, Lodi Lakeland, runway 27, 1,900 × 75 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 335 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 14 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 9 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MSN, 14 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 19940529012859A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940529012859A), May 29, 1994: Piper PA28140, Lodi, WI, Substantial damage. Drifted on climbout. Struck trees. Crosswind component exceeded.

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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