# NTSB FTW87LA158: Piper PA-28RT-201T, N8274U, Galveston, TX, July 4, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 4, 1987, 08:30 local (13:30 UTC)
- Place: Galveston, TX
- Location: 29.3014° N, 94.7978° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Galveston, TX, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.3014&lon=-94.7978&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22391
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW87LA158
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22391/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87LA158

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - bird(s) (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - performed
  - terrain condition - hidden obstruction(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT HAD LNDD ON AN ABANDONED AIRSTRIP & WAS ATTEMPTING TO TAKEOFF AGAIN. HE STATED THAT DUE TO BIRDS ON THE RWY, HE DEVIATED TO THE LEFT TO AVOID A BIRD STRIKE. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE LANDING GEAR COLLIDED WITH A CHUNK OF RAISED CONCRETE WHICH WAS HIDDEN BY UNDERGROWTH & THE LEFT MAIN & NOSE GEAR COLLAPED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8274U (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28RT-201T (PA-28RT-20)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R813002
- Airframe hours: 690
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-360-FB 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Curtis B. Cooper
- Registered owner: Curtis B Cooper
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: HOU, HOUSTON, TX
- Airport: Abandoned Strip, runway 12, 3,400 ×  ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 702 total, 702 in this make and model, 643 as pilot in command, 27 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19870704032349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870704032349A), Jul 4, 1987: Piper PA28RT201T, Matagorda Islan, TX, Substantial damage. Veered to avoid a flock of birds on the takeoff roll. Gear sheared off when it struck a piece of concrete in grass.

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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