# NTSB DEN90FA099: Piper PA-22-160, N2911Z, Scranton, ND, April 24, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 23, 1990, 19:55 local (Apr 24, 1990, 01:55 UTC)
- Place: Scranton, ND
- Coordinates: 46.140647, -103.140434 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.1406&lon=-103.1404&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 21, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17828
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN90FA099
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17828/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN90FA099

## Probable cause

PILOT FACTOR IN THAT HE FAILED TO MAINTAIN AIRCRAFT CONTROL WHILE PERFORMING AN INFLIGHT MANEUVER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, maneuvering
  - flt control syst,wing flap control cable/rod - frayed (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - initiated, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - ignition system,ignition lead - incorrect (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in aircraft's ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - flt control syst,wing flap control bearing - corroded (contributing factor)
  - airspeed(vs) - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent

## Analysis

WHILE ON A PERSONAL PLEASURE FLT FROM HIS FARM AIRSTRIP, THE PLT LOST CONTROL OF HIS ACFT AND CRASHED INTO A FIELD. THE PLT AND PAX WERE FATALLY INJURED, AND THE ACFT WAS DESTROYED. THERE WAS NO FIRE. FAA RECORDS DOCUMENTED THAT THE ACFT REGISTRATION HAD BEEN RETURNED APX 9 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT STATING THAT THE ACFT HAD BEEN DESTROYED/SCRAPPED. THE PLT WAS NON CURRENT ON HIS MEDICAL AND BIENNIAL FLT REVIEW AND THE ACFT WAS OUT OF ANNUAL. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT AND RECORDS REVEALED POOR ACFT CONDITION MAKING IT UNAIRWORTHY, AND THE USE OF AUTO FUEL WITH NO CONVERSION. NO EVIDENCE WAS FOUND INDICATING MATERIAL CONDITION AS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2911Z (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-160
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 226881
- Airframe hours: 2230
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ruggles, David J.
- Registered owner: David J Ruggles
- Last inspection: Annual, January 10, 1988, 54 hours before
- Departed: GASCOYNE, ND

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 200 total, 170 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 45° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19900423011679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900423011679A), Apr 23, 1990: Piper PA22160, Scranton, ND, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Crashed while maneuvering a quarter mile from pilots farm airstrip. No witnesses no medical. No auto gas STC.

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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