# NTSB CHI95LA167: Piper PA-16, N5328H, Williston, ND, June 3, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 3, 1995, 08:00 local (13:00 UTC)
- Place: Williston, ND
- Coordinates: 48.160984, -103.629974 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.1610&lon=-103.6300&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 24, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9899
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI95LA167
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9899/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA167

## Probable cause

The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control on takeoff. The soft condition of the field was a factor.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - ditch
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TAKE OFF FROM A DIRT FIELD, THE AIRPLANE PULLED TO THE RIGHT ON THE SOFT GROUND.  IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKING OFF, THE AIRPLANE IMPACTED A RISE IN THE TERRAIN WHICH WAS AN IRRIGATION DITCH LOCATED TO THE RIGHT OF THE FIELD.  THE PILOT STATED THAT HE JUST WAS NOT ABLE TO GAIN ENOUGH ALTITUDE PRIOR TO IMPACTING THE DITCH.

## Factual narrative

On June 3, 1995, at 0800 central daylight time, a Piper PA-16, N5328H, was substantially damaged when in collided with an irrigation ditch after taking off from a dirt field near Williston, North Dakota.  The pilot and passenger reported no injuries.  The 14 CFR Part 91 pleasure flight operated without a flight plan in visual meteorological conditions.  The intended destination was Webster, Minnesota.

While attempting to takeoff, the pilot reported the airplane pulled to the right on the soft ground.  Immediately after lift off, the airplane impacted a rise in the terrain which was an irrigation ditch located to the right of the field.  The pilot stated that he just did not get enough altitude to clear the ditch.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5328H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5328H-2000-06-15), registration cancelled 2000-06-15, S/N 16-133 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-16
- Registry model: [Piper PA-16](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-16) (registry code 7101602) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 16-133
- Airframe hours: 2450
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-D2 135 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Dennis E. Noteboom
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 30, 1994, 20 hours before
- Departed: NONE
- Destination: UNK, WEBSTER, MN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; flight engineer, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 17,750 total, 80 in this make and model, 8,000 as pilot in command, 200 in the last 90 days, 80 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 57 °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 19950603048049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950603048049A), Jun 3, 1995: Williston, ND, No damage. (-23) Pilot and aircraft owner operating under FAR part 91 departed farm field with wife as passenger. Pilot stated field was somewhat soft and 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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