# NTSB CHI97LA280: Piper PA-28, N6566W, Monona, IA, September 1, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 1, 1997, 11:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Monona, IA
- Coordinates: 43.050933, -91.389411 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.0509&lon=-91.3894&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 29, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10691
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI97LA280
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10691/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA280

## Probable cause

the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision, and subsequently, his not being able to attain remedial action to avoid impact with the terrain.  A related factor was the downdraft.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - low altitude flight/maneuver - performed, pilot in command
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

The pilot said that he was conducting a low level flight to inspect his crops. He said that when he attempted to gain altitude, the airplane encountered a downdraft, and he was unable to arrest the descent before impact with the terrain.

## Factual narrative

On September 1, 1997, at 1100 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N6566W, sustained substantial damage on impact with the terrain while maneuvering at low altitude, near Monona, Iowa.  The pilot said he was circling his property checking crops when the airplane struck the ground.  The pilot and one passenger reported no injuries.  The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions.  No flight plan was on file.  The local flight departed about 1030.

The pilot stated that he was conducting low level flight to inspect his crops.  He said he attempted to gain altitude to avoid contact with trees; however, the airplane encountered a downdraft and he was unable to arrest the descent prior to impact with the terrain.

Subsequent to the accident an examination of the airplane and engine failed to reveal any preexisting anomalies.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6566W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6566W-2013-02-13), registration cancelled 2013-02-13, S/N 28-20647, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-28
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-20647
- Airframe hours: 2429
- Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Archie C. Adney
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, May 29, 1997, 1 hours before
- Departed: 7C3, IA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 85; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 740 total, 700 in this make and model, 700 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 4 knots
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: KDE, 25 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 19970901024869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970901024869A), Sep 1, 1997: Piper PA28140, Monona, IA, Substantial damage. Aircraft circling property at low altitude, lost lift and landed in a hayfield.

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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