# NTSB LAX86LA017: Piper PA-28-140, N9660W, Chino Valley, AZ, October 15, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 15, 1985, 15:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Chino Valley, AZ
- Coordinates: 34.769668, -112.450347 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7697&lon=-112.4503&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24999
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA017
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24999/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA017

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper (contributing factor)
  - flight into known adverse weather - attempted (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - not performed (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - fence (cause)
  - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

WHEN THE FLT DEPARTED PRESCOTT FOR THE LOCAL FLT, THE PLT SAID THE RWYS SWITCHED SEVERAL TIMES BETWEEN 11 & 03 DUE TO THE WINDS. THE OFFICIAL PRESCOTT SURFACT OBSERVATION REPORTED THE WINDS FROM 110 DEGREES AT 8 KTS WITH GUSTS TO 17 KTS. AFTER DEPARTING PRESCOTT, THE FLT FLEW TO A DIRT STRIP NORTH OF THE CITY WHERE A NORMAL LANDING WAS MADE. DURING THE SUBSEQUENT TAKEOFF, THE PLT SAID THAT THE LT WING SUDDENLY 'LIFTED' & THE ACFT WAS UNABLE TO GAIN ALTITUDE & SCRAPED THE TOPS OF METAL FENCE POSTS OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9660W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9660W), registered now, S/N 28-23122, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-23122
- Airframe hours: 4394
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Russell K. Moreton
- Registered owner: Jim Dunham
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 14, 1985, 1 hours before
- Departed: PRC, PRESCOTT, AZ
- Airport: AZ46, runway 18, 3,500 × 30 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,758 total, 81 in this make and model, 11 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 8 knots, gusting 17
- Visibility: 65 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PCR, 10 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 19851015052409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851015052409A), Oct 15, 1985: Piper PA28140, Chino Valley, AZ, Substantial damage. During takeoff roll, gusty crosswind lifted left wing. Got airborne but could not climb. Off runway end into fence.

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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