# NTSB MKC90FA017: Piper PA-28-161, N36163, Elkader, IA, October 24, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 24, 1989, 14:10 local (19:10 UTC)
- Place: Elkader, IA
- Coordinates: 42.850608, -91.399192 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.8506&lon=-91.3992&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34872
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC90FA017
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34872/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90FA017

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE RUNWAY MARKER AT THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - other
  - clearance - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - flight control,elevator surface - disabled (cause)
  - aircraft control - restricted, pilot in command (cause)
  - level off - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - rising

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT WAS TAXIED TO THE FAR END OF THE 1860 FT RWY, AND THE PIC ADDED FULL POWER AND BEGAN A TAKEOFF ROLL TO THE SOUTH. AN EYEWITNESS STATED THE ACFT GAINED SPEED AND ROSE FROM THE GROUND, THEN HE TURNED HIS ATTENTION AWAY FM THE ACFT. THE WITNESS THEN HEARD THE AIRCRAFT STRIKE A RWY END MARKER CONSISTING OF 3 PALETTES WIRED IN A PYRAMIND. THE ACFT PITCHED NOSE HIGH AND ENTERED A STEEP BANK TO THE LEFT AS THOUGH RETURNING TO THE AIRPORT. THE ACFT CRASHED SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS EAST OF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RWY IN AN OPEN FIELD. THE ELEVATOR CONTROL SURFACE SUSTAINED MAJOR DAMAGE DURING THE TAKEOFF, THEREBY RESTRICTING ITS MOVEMENT, AND ULTIMATELY, AIRCRAFT CONTROL. NO PRE-EXISTING MECHANICAL FAILURE WAS DISCOVERED WITH EITHER THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE OR FLIGHT CONTROLS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N36163](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N36163-1990-07-19), registration cancelled 1990-07-19, S/N 287816617 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-161
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-161](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-161) (registry code 7102803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7816617
- Airframe hours: 4020
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Pritts Aviation
- Registered owner: Douglas A. Nutt
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 1, 1989, 79 hours before
- Departed: C22, ELKADER, IA
- Destination: SPW, SPENCER, IA
- Airport: C22, Elkader, runway 17, 1,760 × 75 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 40; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 125 total, 20 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DBQ, 41 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 19891024042509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891024042509A), Oct 24, 1989: Piper PA28161, Elkader, IA, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Struck runway end marker after liftoff continued out of control into trees and burned. Impact had damaged elevator.

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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