# NTSB CHI95LA180: Piper PA-28-180, N3625R, Lowell, MI, June 14, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 13, 1995, 21:00 local (Jun 14, 1995, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Lowell, MI
- Coordinates: 42.929939, -85.340065 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.9299&lon=-85.3401&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 4 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 8, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9911
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI95LA180
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9911/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI95LA180

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to obtain/maintain altitude/clearance.

## 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)
  - altitude/clearance - not obtained/maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

The pilot and three passengers were departing for a short cross country flight.  The pilot stated that the airplane lifted off and began to climb, but was not able to clear trees off the end of the runway.  A post accident examination of the airplane failed to reveal any pre-existing mechanical anomalies.

## Factual narrative

On June 13, 1995, at 2100 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28- 180, N3625R, registered to an individual and operated by a private pilot, impacted trees and the terrain 500 feet west of the departure end of the west runway at the Roberts' Landing, a private airport, near Lowell, Michigan.  The airplane sustained substantial damage.  The pilot and three passengers reported minor injuries.  The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions.  No flight plan was on file.

The flight was originating at the time of the accident with an intended destination of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Pilot stated that the airplane lifted off and "slowly began to climb;" however, the airplane failed to clear the trees off the west end of the runway.  The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane.

A post accident examination failed to reveal any pre-existent mechanical anomalies.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3625R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3625R-1996-02-08), registration cancelled 1996-02-08, S/N 285722 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-28-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-5722
- Engines: Lycoming O-360-A4A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Herbst, Michael
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 108 total, 20 in this make and model, 73 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GRR, 9 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 19950613020769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950613020769A), Jun 13, 1995: Piper PA28180, Lowell, MI, Substantial damage. Used poor takeoff technigue and failed clear trees off end of runway. Tree tops same level as runway. (-23) pilot departed from Private airstrip which was 1850…

## Other investigations on N3625R (1)

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.

- [NTSB LAX71FUQ81](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX71FUQ81), Apr 28, 1971: Piper PA-28 (N3625R), San Frnando, CA, substantial damage

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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