# NTSB NYC07CA137: Piper PA-28RT-201, N3023U, Tinicum, PA, June 13, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: June 13, 2007, 05:45 local (09:45 UTC)
- Place: Tinicum, PA
- Coordinates: 40.469444, -75.082221
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4694&lon=-75.0822&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 30, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA/FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 66017
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC07CA137
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66017/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC07CA137

## Probable cause

The instrument-rated pilot's failure to maintain runway alignment by instruments after encountering fog during the initial climb.  A factor was the foggy weather conditions.

## 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 - tree(s)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)

## Analysis

The instrument-rated private pilot was attempting an early morning, short-field takeoff from a turf airstrip in a Piper PA-28RT-201.  During the take-off roll, "mist blew into the departure end of the runway."  The pilot continued the takeoff, and about 50 feet above the ground, the airplane impacted trees off the left side of the runway and flipped over.  A fire department photograph, taken upon arrival at the airstrip, revealed the presence of fog about half way down the runway.  The airstrip was 2,200 feet long and 100 feet wide, with trees on both sides.

## Factual narrative

According to the instrument-rated private pilot, he was attempting an early morning, short-field takeoff from a turf airstrip in a Piper PA-28RT-201.  During the take-off roll, "mist blew into the departure end of the runway."  The pilot continued the takeoff, and about 50 feet above the ground, the airplane impacted trees off the left side of the runway and flipped over.  A fire department photograph, taken upon arrival at the airstrip, revealed the presence of fog about half way down the runway.  The airstrip was 2,200 feet long and 100 feet wide, with trees on both sides.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3023U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3023U-2008-02-09), registration cancelled 2008-02-09, S/N 28R-7918073, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-28RT-201
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28RT-201](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28rt-201) (registry code 7102818) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 SER A&C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-ser-a-c) (registry code 41511, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R-7918073
- Engines: Lycoming IO-360 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James Specter
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 56PA, Tinicum, PA
- Destination: BGR, Bangor, ME
- Airport: 56PA, Hoge Farm, runway 24, 2,200 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3; flight hours: 2,221 total, 1,890 in this make and model, 19 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days
- Pilot; age 60; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3; flight hours: 2,221 total, 1,890 in this make and model, 19 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day

## 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 20070613008709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070613008709A), Jun 13, 2007: Piper PA28RT201, Tinicum, PA, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot attempted early morning takeoff on grass airport. Pilot lost visual reference of runway due to ground fog, and rotated for takeoff as aircraft was…

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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