# NTSB DEN89LA129: Piper PA-28R-200, N9421N, Angel Fire, NM, May 28, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 28, 1989, 11:02 local (17:02 UTC)
- Place: Angel Fire, NM
- Coordinates: 36.389389, -105.269439 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.3894&lon=-105.2694&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 2, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17715
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN89LA129
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17715/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA129

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY EVALUATE THE EXISTING WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE SUBSEQUENT TAKEOFF INTO ADVERSE CONDITIONS WHICH DEGRADED THE AIRPLANE'S CLIMB CAPABILITY. THE PILOT PERFORMED AN INTENTIONAL GEAR UP LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper climb rate - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - gear extension - not performed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE TAKEOFF WAS MADE ON RWY 35 WITH A DENSITY ALT CALCULATED TO BE 10,645 FT. THE LOCAL WINDS WERE REPORTED TO BE FROM 270 DEGREES AT 25 KTS WITH GUSTS TO 30 KTS. THE PILOT STATED THE WIND EFFECT ON TAKEOFF WAS 'NOTABLY MORE SEVERE' AND THERE WAS MODERATE TURBULENCE. THE ACFT GAINED 300 FT BUT THE TURN TO CROSSWIND RESULTED IN ALTITUDE LOSS. THE PILOT STATED HE COULD NOT MAINTAIN ALTITUDE AND EXECUTED AN OFF ARPT PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WITH THE GEAR UP. THE ARPT FIXED BASE OPERATOR STATED SEVERAL AIRCRAFT ABANDONED LANDINGS AND DIVERTED TO OTHER AIRPORTS DUE TO TURBULENCE AND HIGH WIND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9421N](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9421N), registered now, S/N 28R-35133, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-200
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-200) (registry code 7102811) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R-35133
- Airframe hours: 2037
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1C 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Troy A. Gifford, Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 6, 1988, 35 hours before
- Departed: AXX
- Destination: MAF, MIDLAND, TX
- Airport: AXX, Angel Fire, runway 35, 8,900 × 75 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,611 total, 800 in this make and model, 1,474 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 10 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 13,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 64 °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 19890528013219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890528013219A), May 28, 1989: Piper PA28R200, Angel Fire, NM, Substantial damage. Unable to climb to clear powerlines after takeoff, elected to land off airport gear up. Altitude and turbulence.

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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