# NTSB FTW99LA237: Piper PA-28R-180, N7605J, Heber Springs, AR, July 26, 1999 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 25, 1999, 20:45 local (Jul 26, 1999, 01:45 UTC) - Place: Heber Springs, AR - Coordinates: 35.50093, -92.030624 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.5009&lon=-92.0306&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 3 uninjured - Status: Completed, report November 2, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 47140 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW99LA237 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/47140/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA237 ## Probable cause The pilot's excessive approach airspeed resulting in the airplane overrunning the runway, and his failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing roll. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Overrun, landing - airspeed - excessive, pilot in command (cause) - Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The student pilot lost control of the airplane during the landing roll at a private grass airstrip. The pilot told an FAA inspector that his landing approach speed was 'too hot,' and on the landing roll, he overran the runway. During the landing roll, the pilot applied 'excessive braking while turning, resulting in the right main landing gear collapsing.' ## Factual narrative On July 25, 1999, approximately 2045 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-180 airplane, N7605J, was substantially damaged during landing at the River Acres private airstrip near Heber Springs, Arkansas. The student pilot, who owned the airplane, and his two passengers were not injured. Dusk visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The cross-country flight originated from the Charles W. Baker Airport near Memphis, Tennessee. According to the FAA inspector, who conducted the pilot interview, the student pilot stated that he flew to Heber Springs to check on his new house. The pilot told the FAA inspector that his landing approach speed was "too hot," and on the landing roll, he overran the runway. During the landing roll, the pilot applied "excessive braking while turning, resulting in the right main landing gear collapsing." The right main landing gear punctured the right wing, and the right wing spar was bent. An anonymous caller informed the FAA about the accident on August 24, 1999. Numerous attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) from the pilot were unsuccessful. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N7605J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7605J-2018-01-26), registration cancelled 2018-01-26, S/N 28R-30998, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-28R-180 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-180) (registry code 7102809) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28R-30998 - Engines: Lycoming IO-360-B1E 180 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Danny Silsbe - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: 2M8, MEMPHIS, TN - Destination: 74M, AR - Airport: NONE, River Acres ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; student; medical: class 3, unknown; seat: left; flight hours: 70 total ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk - Wind: 160° at 4 knots - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 77 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: LIT, 45 nm away ## 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 19990725047329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990725047329A), Jul 25, 1999: Piper PA28R180, Heber Springs, AR, Substantial damage. (.4) The student pilot lost control of the airplane during the landing roll at a private grass airstrip. The pilot told an FAA inspector that his landing… ## Other investigations on N7605J (1) 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. - [NTSB MKC75DCG35](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC75DCG35), Mar 24, 1975: Piper PA-28R (N7605J), Osage Beach, MO, substantial damage 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.