# NTSB LAX92LA023: Piper PA28-140, N3771K, Chiriaco Summit, CA, October 27, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 27, 1991, 11:20 local (19:20 UTC)
- Place: Chiriaco Summit, CA
- Coordinates: 33.709457, -116.229537 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7095&lon=-116.2295&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report April 23, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27485
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX92LA023
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27485/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX92LA023

## Probable cause

THE DELAYED ACTIONS OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND IN SELECTING A GO-AROUND ND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL WHICH RESULTED IN THE AIRPLANE DRIFTING OFF THE RUNWAY CENTERLINE AND COLLIDING WITH TERRAIN.  CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO COMPENSATE FOR WIND CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, go-around (vfr)
  - weather condition - crosswind
  - go-around - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - directional control - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, go-around (vfr)
  - terrain condition - soft

## Analysis

A PIPER PA 28-140 COLLIDED WITH TERRAIN AFTER A LOSS OF CONTROL WHILE LANDING ON RUNWAY 24.  THERE WAS A SLIGHT CROSSWIND DURING THE LANDING ATTEMPT.  THE PILOT ESTIMATED THE WIND CONDITIONS TO BE FROM 300 DEGREES AT 10 KNOTS. DURING THE FINAL APPROACH AND LANDING FLARE THE NOSE OF THE AIRPLANE WEATHER VANED INTO THE WIND.  THE PILOT ELECTED TO GO-AROUND AND LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.  THE AIRPLANE TOUCHED DOWN ON THE LET SHOULDER OF THE RUNWAY AND BOUNCED.  THE AIRPLAANE ROLLED OUT IN SANDY TERRAIN COLLAPSING THE NOSE GEAR AND DAMAGING THE WINGS. THE PILOT INDICATED THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL FALURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE AIRPLANE BEFORE THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3771K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3771K-1992-03-03), registration cancelled 1992-03-03, S/N 2823724 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28 23724
- Airframe hours: 4361
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Bonak, Steven P
- Registered owner: Bonak, Steven P
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 6, 1991, 40 hours before
- Departed: FUL, FULLERTON, CA
- Destination: L77, CHIRIACO SUMMIT, CA
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: L77, Chiriaco Summit, runway 24, 4,600 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 77 total, 77 in this make and model, 20 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 12 knots, gusting 21
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TRM, 22 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 19911027048099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911027048099A), Oct 27, 1991: Piper PA28140, Chiriaco Summit, CA, Substantial damage. Weathervaned into strong crosswind on flare for landing. Tried go around but settled, hit wing on brush and ground

## Other investigations on N3771K (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 OAK69D0079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK69D0079), Jul 28, 1968: Piper PA-28 (N3771K), Mariposa, CA, 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.

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