# NTSB NYC87LA009: Eiriavion PIK-20E, N12ZC, Erwinna, PA, October 5, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 5, 1986, 15:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Erwinna, PA
- Coordinates: 40.490512, -75.079635 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4905&lon=-75.0796&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30543
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC87LA009
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30543/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87LA009

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, descent - normal
  - weather condition - turbulence
  - weather condition - downdraft
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

FLIGHT ENCOUNTERED TURBULENCE ON DESCENT BELOW TREE TOP LEVEL AND WHEN ABOUT 150 FEET FROM THE THRESHOLD A DOWNDRAFT WAS ENCOUNTERED CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO COLLIDE WITH THE GROUND. THE AIRCRAFT GROUNDLOOPED WHEN THE LEFT WING CAUGHT IN THE TALL GRASS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N12ZC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N12ZC-2008-02-22), registration cancelled 2008-02-22, S/N 20234, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Eiriavion Oy PIK-20E
- Registry model: [Eiriavion PIK 20E](https://openairdocs.org/model/eiriavion-pik-20e) (registry code 5760207) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Glider
- Serial number: 20234
- Airframe hours: 214
- Engines: ROTAX 501 46 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Aircraft Instruments Co.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 3, 1986, 30 hours before
- Airport: 9N1, Vansant, runway 24, 3,000 × 120 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 70; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 1,525 total, 113 in this make and model, 1,277 as pilot in command, 23 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 70 °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 19861005048289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861005048289A), Oct 5, 1986: Eirvon PIK20E, Erwinna, PA, Substantial damage. Low level turbulence and downdraft landing impacted short in tall grass. Ground looped.

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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