# NTSB DEN82DA027: Piper PA-22, N3921P, Trinidad, CO, January 31, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: January 31, 1982, 13:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Trinidad, CO
- Coordinates: 37.160552, -104.500167 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.1606&lon=-104.5002&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72859
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN82DA027
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72859/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82DA027

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff
  - aborted takeoff - performed, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
- Nose over, takeoff

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT THE AIRCRAFT STARTED TO VEER LEFT AS THE TAIL CAME UP DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL. HE CORRECTED WITH RUDDER, BUT DID NOT MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. AS A GROUND LOOP DEVELOPED, HE NOTED THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT AIRSPEED TO LIFT OFF AND ABORTED. THE AIRCRAFT WENT OFF OF THE RUNWAY, ENCOUNTERED SOFT TERRAIN IN A SHALLOW DEPRESSION, HIT A SMALL BUSH, AND NOSED OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3921P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3921P), registered now, S/N 22-3591, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 223591
- Airframe hours: 4042
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Fishers Peak Aviation
- Registered owner: Fishers Peak Aviation
- Departed: TAD, TRINIDAD, CO
- Destination: TAD, TRINIDAD, CO
- Airport: TAD, Las Animas County, runway 21, 5,496 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 293 total, 25 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Temperature: 57 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19820131002119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820131002119A), Jan 31, 1982: Piper PA22, Trinidad, CO, Substantial damage. Lost directional control of aircraft on initial takeoff roll. Ground-looped off runway and overturned.

## Other investigations on N3921P (2)

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 DEN79FTE01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN79FTE01), Oct 16, 1978: Piper PA-22 (N3921P), Olney Springs, CO, substantial damage
- [NTSB DEN69D0078](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN69D0078), Jun 24, 1968: Piper PA-22 (N3921P), Greeley, CO, 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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