# NTSB MKC90LA056: Piper PA-22, N4859A, Ely, MN, February 20, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 20, 1990, 15:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Ely, MN
- Coordinates: 47.900028, -91.849754 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.9000&lon=-91.8498&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 5, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34934
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC90LA056
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34934/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC90LA056

## Probable cause

IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT.  A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS:  THE STRONG/GUSTY CROSSWIND CONDITION.

## 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
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command
- Nose over, takeoff

## Analysis

AS THE PLT WAS TAKING OFF ON RWY 30, THE TAILWHEEL CONVERTED ACFT TURNED INTO THE WIND. SUBSEQUENTLY, IT WENT OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY & NOSED OVER. THE 1520 CST WIND WAS FROM 210 DEG AT 10 GUSTING 25 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4859A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4859A), registered now, S/N 22-4015 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 4015
- Airframe hours: 2924
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A1A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Jenc, Paul
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 16, 1989, 25 hours before
- Destination: H1B, HIBBING, MN
- Airport: ELO, Ely, runway 30, 5,600 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 3,000 total, 25 in this make and model, 25 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 10 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: ELO, 1 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 19900220002499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900220002499A), Feb 20, 1990: Piper STCPA22, Ely, MN, Substantial damage. Tried to takeoff in excessive gusty crosswind. Lost directional control. Left runway and nosed over.

## Other investigations on N4859A (2)

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 CHI81FEM06](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI81FEM06), Jan 22, 1981: Piper PA-20 (N4859A), Newaygo, MI, substantial damage
- [NTSB CHI79FEM05](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI79FEM05), Oct 2, 1978: Piper PA-22 (N4859A), Grand Rapids, MI, 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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