# NTSB DEN89LA164: Piper PA-32R-301T, N82908, Telluride, CO, June 30, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 30, 1989, 15:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Telluride, CO
- Coordinates: 37.940586, -107.900009 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.9406&lon=-107.9000&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 24, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17741
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN89LA164
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17741/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA164

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL DURING AN ENCOUNTER WITH TURBULENCE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE TURBULENCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor)
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PRIVATE PLT AND HIS FAMILY, WERE MAKING AN X-COUNTRY FLIGHT. THE PLT REPORTED AN APPROACH TO RWY 27, A 6,900 X 75 FT, ASPHALT RWY, WITH WINDS ESTIMATED FROM 315 DEGREES AT 15 KNOTS. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, THE AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED A 'GUST FROM BELOW'. THE PLT DESCRIBED LOW LEVEL TURBULENCE AND SAID HE LOST TRACK OF THE AIRSPEED. HE SAID HE HEARD THE STALL HORN AND THE AIRPLANE FELL ABOUT 10 FT TO THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N82908](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N82908), registered now, S/N 32-8324001, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-301T (PA-32R-301)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-301T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-301t) (registry code 7103209) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-8324001
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-S1AD 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Martin Aviation, Inc
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: INW, WINSLOW, AZ
- Destination: TEX
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: TEX, Telluride Reg., runway 27, 6,900 × 25 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 220 total, 11 in this make and model, 155 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 315° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19890630035269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890630035269A), Jun 30, 1989: Piper PA32R301T, Telluride, CO, Substantial damage. Stalled during level off on landing. Impact bent fuselage. Blamed wind gust.

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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