# NTSB LAX87LA308: Piper PA-16, N5753H, Ehrenberg, AZ, August 19, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 19, 1987, 07:50 local (14:50 UTC)
- Place: Ehrenberg, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.520511, -114.519737 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.5205&lon=-114.5197&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 7, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25667
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA308
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25667/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA308

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - roadway/highway
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - sign (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

WHILE ON A X-COUNTRY FLT, THE STUDENT PLT ELECTED TO LAND ON A ROAD APRX 12 MI SHORT OF HIS DESTN TO 'CHECK ON A JOB.'  HE SAID HE WAS FAMILIAR WITH THE ROAD & DECIDED TO MAKE A STRAIGHT-IN APCH W/O FIRST FLYING OVER IT TO LOOK FOR OBSTRUCTIONS. AFTER MAKING AN UNEVENTFUL LANDING, THE STUDENT SAW A ROAD SIGN AHEAD; HOWEVER, HE WAS UNABLE TO STOP BEFORE THE LEFT WING TIP HIT THE SIGN. THE ACFT THEN VEERED TO THE LEFT & HIT A PILE OF BROKEN CONCRETE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5753H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5753H), registered now, S/N 16-364 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-16
- Registry model: [Piper PA-16](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-16) (registry code 7101602) (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: 16364
- Airframe hours: 2245
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C1 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kynn R. Davis
- Registered owner: Jerry J. Marshall
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 5, 1987, 45 hours before
- Departed: BXK, BUCKEYE, AZ
- Destination: BLH, BLYTHE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 70 total, 34 in this make and model, 30 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 35 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BLH, 12 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 19870819045989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870819045989A), Aug 19, 1987: Piper PA16, Ehrenburg, AZ, Substantial damage. Made an unauthorized landing on desert road. A wing hit a sign. Aircraft swung into rocks and nosed over.

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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