# NTSB DEN82FTI16: Piper PA-28-R-180, N3901T, Cameron, MT, June 22, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: June 22, 1982, 10:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Cameron, MT
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 3 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 22, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70115
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN82FTI16
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70115/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN82FTI16

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - distance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)
  - stall/mush - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT WHILE CLIMBING OVER RISING TERRAIN IN AN AREA OF FOOTHILLS NEAR MOUNTAINS. HE REPORTED A LOSS OF AIRSPEED AND ALTITUDE WHEN THE AIRCRAFT WAS ABOUT 1000 FT FROM THE CREST. AT ABOUT THAT TIME, THE GEAR EXTENDED AUTOMATICALLY. A TURN WAS MADE OVER A LESSER RISE AND THE LANDING GEAR EMERGENCY OVERRIDE WAS ACTUATED; HOWEVER, THE AIRCRAFT CONTINUED TO LOSE AIRSPEED AND CRASHED INTO TREES IN A WOODED AREA. THE ELEVATION OF THE CRASH SITE WAS ABOUT 7000 FT. THE PILOT ESTIMATED THAT THE TEMPERATURE WAS 60 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3901T (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-R-180 (PA-28-R-18)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R-30233
- Airframe hours: 2069
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Professional Investment Associ
- Registered owner: Professional Investment Associ
- Departed: ENNIS, MT
- Destination: ENNIS, MT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 273 total, 217 in this make and model, 49 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 45 statute miles
- Temperature: 140 °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 19820622024119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820622024119A), Jun 22, 1982: Piper PA28R180, Cameron, MT, Destroyed. Unable to outclimb rising mountain terrain. Turned away, auto gear extended, downdraft in area. Stalled into trees.

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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