# NTSB NYC88LA052: Piper PA-28-140, N16491, Pottstown, PA, December 3, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 3, 1987, 16:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: Pottstown, PA
- Coordinates: 40.249542, -75.640586 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.2495&lon=-75.6406&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 26, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36071
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC88LA052
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36071/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA052

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb

## Analysis

DURING SOFT FIELD TAKEOFF, THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT WHO WAS WATCHING FROM THE RAMP, SAID THE THE STUDENT PLT SEEMED TO HAVE EXCESSIVE ANGLE OF ATTACK AND STALLED THE AIRCRAFT. THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED ON AIRPORT PROPERTY ABOUT 1,000 FEET FROM THE START OF THE TAKEOFF ROLL AND ABOUT 75 FEET TO THE LEFT OF THE RUNWAY. THE STUDENT SAID THAT HE WAS DOING A SOFT FIELD TAKEOFF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N16491](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N16491-2018-04-19), registration cancelled 2018-04-19, S/N 28-7325285, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7325285
- Airframe hours: 6627
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Basco Flying Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, November 11, 1987, 35 hours before
- Departed: N47, POTTSTOWN, PA
- Airport: N47, Pottstown, runway 25, 2,700 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 26 total, 26 in this make and model, 5 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 41 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19871203069529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871203069529A), Dec 3, 1987: Piper PA28140, Pottstown, PA, Substantial damage. Student made nose high, short field takeoff. Aircraft stalled and impacted runway right wing low.

## Other investigations on N16491 (1)

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 GAA15CA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA15CA079), May 16, 2015: Piper PA 28-140 (N16491), Princeton, NJ, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing, resulting in a runway excursion.

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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