# NTSB DEN88LA158: Piper PA-28-140, N1578J, Gallup, NM, July 15, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 15, 1988, 13:08 local (19:08 UTC)
- Place: Gallup, NM
- Coordinates: 35.519134, -108.730018 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.5191&lon=-108.7300&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 8, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17505
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN88LA158
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17505/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN88LA158

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, takeoff - roll/run
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PLT & HIS WIFE WERE STARTING A CROSS-COUNTRY PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION FLT. THE ACFT WAS LOADED TO NEAR MAX GWT, & THE FSS HAD REPORTED A DENSITY ALT OF 9,600 FT TO THE PLT. AFTER TAKEOFF ON A 6,300 X 100 FT, ASPHALT RWY, THE PLT SAID THE ACFT ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT AT 300-400 FT AGL. THE ACFT LOST ALT TO 75-100 FT AGL. THE ACFT MAINTAINED THIS ALT FOR APRX 2 MI OVER RISING TERRAIN. THE PLT MADE A 180 DEG RT TURN TO AVOID A RESIDENTIAL AREA. HE STATED THAT THE TERRAIN SEEMED TO RISE FASTER THAN THE ACFT COULD CLIMB & THE ACFT CRASH- LANDED. THE CRASH OCCURRED WITHIN 3 MI OF THE APRT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1578J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1578J-1989-12-13), registration cancelled 1989-12-13, S/N 2823986 (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 2823986
- Airframe hours: 4079
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Arnold, Wesley C.
- Registered owner: Arnold, Wesley C.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, July 1, 1988, 37 hours before
- Destination: DURANGO, CO
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: Gallup, runway 6, 6,300 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 620 total, 570 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 30° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GUP, 3 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 19880715026689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880715026689A), Jul 15, 1988: Piper PA28140, Gallup, NM, Substantial damage. Unable to maintain flying speed on climbout. Crash landed in rising terrain. Pilot suspects a downdraft.

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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