# NTSB FTW83FA134: Piper PA-28-181, N8384A, La Grange, TX, March 2, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: March 2, 1983, 16:10 local (22:10 UTC)
- Place: La Grange, TX
- Coordinates: 29.89928, -96.86911 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.8993&lon=-96.8691&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 20707
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83FA134
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/20707/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83FA134

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT ELECTED TO TAKEOFF TO THE NORTH ON A DOWNSLOPING PAVED ROAD. HE REPORTED THAT THE WIND WAS VARIABLE FROM THE SOUTHWEST AT 2 TO 4 KTS, GUSTING 4 TO 6 KTS. AT AUSTIN, TX, THE WIND WAS FROM 190 DEG AT 13 GUSTING 20 KTS & AT COLLEGE STATION, TX, IT WAS FROM 200 DEG AT 11 KTS. THE SELECTED ROADWAY WAS APPRX 1800 LONG, THEN CURVED TO THE RIGHT. DURING THE TAKEOFF, THE ACFT BECAME AIRBORNE BEFORE REACHING THE CURVE, BUT THE LEFT WING HIT 35 FT TREES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD AFTER LIFT-OFF & THE ACFT CRASHED. ACCORDING TO THE ACFT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK, 1624 FT WAS REQUIRED TO CLEAR A 50 FT OBSTACLE IN NO WIND CONDITIONS. THE PLT STATED THAT HE ENCOUNTERED AN ENG PROBLEM, BUT NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND. THE PLT ALSO STATED THAT HE HAD PREVIOUSLY ENCOUNTERED AN ENG PROBLEM & HAD MADE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING ON THE ROAD, THEN ELECTED TO TAKEOFF AFTER THE ENG & FUEL CHECKED NORMAL. HOWEVER, WITNESSES TOLD LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL THAT THE PLT HAD LANDED & PICKED UP THE PASSENGER. SPEED & PROP SLASH MARKS INDICATED 2450 RPM

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8384A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8384A-2013-11-12), registration cancelled 2013-11-12, S/N 38-78A0038, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-38-112](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-38-112) (registry code 7103812) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-8190235
- Airframe hours: 550
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Mort Hall Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, January 12, 1983
- Destination: DWH, HOUSTON, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 301 total, 120 in this make and model, 244 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 68 °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 19830302014089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830302014089A), Mar 2, 1983: Piper PA28181, Lagrange, TX, Destroyed. Takeoff made downwind on a road with insufficient takeoff distance. Struck trees on climb. No engine defects noted.

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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