# NTSB NYC84LA268: Piper PA-31-350, N9202Y, Seven Springs, PA, August 11, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 11, 1984, 13:45 local (17:45 UTC)
- Place: Seven Springs, PA
- Location: 40.0263° N, 79.2943° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Seven Springs, PA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0263&lon=-79.2943&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 5 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35733
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC84LA268
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35733/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC84LA268

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - proper climb rate - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER REFUELING, THE PLT TOOK OFF FROM A 3000 FT RWY LOCATED IN A MOUNTAINOUS REGION. HE REPORTED THAT AFTER A NORMAL ROTATION & LIFT-OFF, HE ESTABLISHED A POSITIVE RATE OF CLIMB. HOWEVER, SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, DURING GEAR RETRACTION, THE ACFT BEGAN TO SETTLE. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, THIS OCCURRED WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED EITHER A STRONG DOWNDRAFT OR A WINDSHEAR CONDITION. TREES BECAME VISIBLE & THE PLT INCREASED THE PITCH ATTITUDE, BUT THE ACFT STRUCK THE TREETOPS. THE ACFT CONTINUED FLYING & WAS SAFELY LANDED AT ANOTHER ARPT, BUT THE LEADING EDGES OF THE WINGS, THE RIGHT WING TIP, THE LEFT FLAP & THE LEFT HORIZONTAL STABILIZER WERE DAMAGED. THE PLT SAID THE ARPT WAS LOCATED ON A MOUNTAIN TOP WHICH WAS SURROUNDED BY HIGHER MOUNTAINS. THE DENSITY ALT WAS APRX 4500 FT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9202Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9202Y), registered now, S/N 31P-8414004, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-31-350
- Registry model: [Piper PA 31P 350](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-31p-350) (registry code 7103111) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 8414004
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-V2AD 350 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Private Airways, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: ACY, ATLANTIC CITY, NJ
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: Seven Springs, runway 27, 3,000 × 42 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 5,651 total, 250 in this make and model, 5,651 as pilot in command, 108 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 77 °F

## 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 19840811040049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840811040049A), Aug 11, 1984: Piper PA31P350, Seven Springs, PA, Substantial damage. Hit tree tops after takeoff, safe landing. 3050 feet runway, slight uphill grade, density altitude are all factors.

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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