# NTSB DEN84LA264: Piper PA-28-140, N6431R, Durango, CO, August 18, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 18, 1984, 06:30 local (12:30 UTC)
- Place: Durango, CO
- Location: 37.2645° N, 107.8741° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Durango, CO, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.2645&lon=-107.8741&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16466
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN84LA264
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16466/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA264

## 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
  - object - runway light (contributing factor)
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A RWY LIGHT DURING TAKEOFF. THE PLT SAID THE ACFT GOT TO ABOUT 6 FT AGL FOR ABOUT 100 FT AND WHENTHE PLT PUSHED FOWARD ON THE CONTROL COLUMN THE ACFT SETTLED BACK ON THE RWY. DURING THE ROLL THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER HIT A RWY LIGHT. THE PLT MAINTAINED THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION OF THE NOSE GEAR. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE CRACK IN THE NOSE GEAR WAS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. FAA DID A FLT CHECK WITH THE PLT AND REPORTED THAT HE USED ONLY THE AILERONS FORCROSS-WIND CORRECTIONS WHILE ON THE RWY. THE RUDDERS AND NOSE WHEEL STEERING WERE NOT USED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6431R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6431R), registered now, S/N 28-21611, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- 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 21611
- Airframe hours: 3527
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John J. Robinson, Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 30, 1984, 8 hours before
- Destination: ABQ, ALBUQUERQUE, NM
- Airport: 5C00, Animas Air Park, runway 19, 5,000 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,075 total, 10 in this make and model, 2,041 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19840818042879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840818042879A), Aug 18, 1984: Piper PA28140, Durango, CO, Substantial damage. Aircraft hit runway light during aborted takeoff at a high density altitude airport.

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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