# NTSB DEN87FA036: Piper PA-28-140, N4388X, Rawlins, WY, December 29, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 29, 1986, 09:05 local (16:05 UTC)
- Place: Rawlins, WY
- Coordinates: 41.780681, -107.220069 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.7807&lon=-107.2201&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report April 25, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17086
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN87FA036
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17086/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN87FA036

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - ice/frost removal from aircraft - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT TOOK OFF ON A 7000 FT LONG RUNWAY WITH A HEAVY COAT OF FROST ON THE ACFT. THE ACFT BECAME AIRBORNE AND FLEW IN GROUND EFFECT UNTIL IT IMPACTED A 30 FT HIGH PILE OF SAND 200 YARDS BEYOND THE END OF THE RUNWAY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4388X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4388X-2014-10-09), registration cancelled 2014-10-09, S/N 28-7625027, built 1975 (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: 28-7625027
- Airframe hours: 983
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Steven A. Thiebaud
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 25, 1986
- Destination: BYI, BURLEY, ID
- Airport: RWL, Rawlins Muni., runway 22, 7,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 210 total, 20 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 16 °F, dew point 12 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: RWL, 1 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 19861229085979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861229085979A), Dec 29, 1986: Piper PA28140, Rawlins, WY, Destroyed, 1 fatal. The aircraft failed to climb after takeoff and struck a gravel pile. The pilot failed to remove frost from aircraft

## Other investigations on N4388X (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 SEA77FYA14](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA77FYA14), Mar 20, 1977: Piper PA-28 (N4388X), Emmett, ID, substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK77DXQ04](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK77DXQ04), Dec 31, 1976: Piper PA28 (N4388X), Winnemucca, NV, 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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