# NTSB MKC88FA040: Piper PA-28-140, N1727J, Creve Coeur, MO, January 17, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: January 17, 1988, 14:39 local (20:39 UTC)
- Place: Creve Coeur, MO
- Coordinates: 38.660667, -90.459228 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.6607&lon=-90.4592&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 25, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34481
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC88FA040
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34481/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC88FA040

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in aircraft's ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

WITNESSES STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT SUDDENLY STARTED A VERTICAL CLIMB FROM A STRAIGHT AND LEVEL FLIGHT ATTITUDE. THE AIRPLANE LOST MOMENTUM WHILE IN THE CLIMB, THEN IT NOSED DOWN AND DOVE TOWARDS THE GROUND. IT EXPLODED UPON IMPACT AND WAS DESTROYED IN THE ENSUING POST-CRASH FIRE. CRUSH LINES ON THE FUSELAGE AND DEFORMITIES ON THE WINGS INDICATE THAT THE ANGLE OF MAIN IMPACT WAS APPROXIMATELY 46 DEGREES BELOW THE HORIZONTAL PLANE. ATTACHMENT, CONTINUITY, AND CORRECT TRAVEL WERE ESTABLISHED ON ALL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY FLIGHT CONTROL SURFACES AND SYSTEMS. AN ENGINE TEARDOWN INSPECTION PRODUCED NO EVIDENCE THAT WOULD SUGGEST THE OCCURRENCE OF AN IN-FLIGHT POWERPLANT FAILURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1727J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1727J-2012-07-24), registration cancelled 2012-07-24, S/N 28-24139, built 1968 (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: 28-24139
- Airframe hours: 1268
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Young, Raymond P.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 2, 1987, 337 hours before
- Airport: 1HO, Creve Coeur, runway 16, 2,250 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: expired; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,000 total, 800 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,600 ft overcast
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: STL, 7 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 19880117000619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880117000619A), Jan 17, 1988: Piper PA28140, St Louis, MO, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Vertical climb on takeoff stalled and dived into ground in near vertical impact. May have began a acrobatic maneuver

## Other investigations on N1727J (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 CHI70DGG23](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI70DGG23), May 30, 1970: Piper PA-28 (N1727J), Barnesville, OH, 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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