# NTSB NYC84LA258: Piper J58, N38402, Gilead, ME, July 29, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 29, 1984, 12:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Gilead, ME
- Location: 44.3942° N, 70.9729° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Gilead, ME, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.3942&lon=-70.9729&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35723
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC84LA258
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35723/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC84LA258

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - proper climb rate - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with geographic area, pilot in command (cause)
  - maneuver - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - delayed, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/mush - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - emergency procedure - attempted, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS FORCED TO LAND ACCORDING TO THE PLT, AFTER A DOWNDRAFT AT LOW ALT & AIRSPEED CREATED A TRAP. THE PLT SAID THAT HE & A FRIEND WERE LOOKING FOR A FISHING SPOT, WHEN HE REALIZED THAT HE COULD NOT MAKE IT OVER THE TOP OF RISING TERRAIN AHEAD & COULD NOT TURN 180 DEGREES TO REVERSE HIS FLT PATH. A DECISION TO LAND STRAIGHT AHEAD WAS MADE. DURING THE LANDING THE ACFT WAS DAMAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N38402](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N38402), registered now, S/N 5-952, built 1941 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J58
- Registry model: [Piper J5A](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j5a) (registry code 7100702) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 5-952
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Edwin Brown
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: BETHEL, ME

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 217 total, 4 in this make and model, 190 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19840729038959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840729038959A), Jul 29, 1984: Piper J5A, Gilead, ME, Substantial damage. Pilot flew up valley and suddenly realized he couldnt climb over terrain or do a 180. Crash landed into terrain.

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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