# NTSB NYC89LA124: Piper PA-28-161, N2127J, Dushore, PA, April 23, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 23, 1989, 12:20 local (17:20 UTC)
- Place: Dushore, PA
- Coordinates: 41.519855, -76.389381 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.5199&lon=-76.3894&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 29, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36401
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC89LA124
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36401/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89LA124

## Probable cause

COLLISION WITH TREES DURING A REJECTED TAKEOFF FROM A PRIVATE TURF STRIP DUE TO THE PILOTS FAILURE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXISTING WIND.

## Sequence of events

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

- Overrun, takeoff - aborted
  - wrong runway - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - aborted
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

AFTER ABORTING THREE PREVIOUS TAKEOFFS, THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A FOURTH AND ALTHOUGH THE AIRPLANE LIFTED OFF BEFORE MID FIELD, IT SETTLED BACK TO THE GROUND. THE PILOT ABORTED THIS TAKEOFF ALSO, BUT WAS UNABLE TO STOP BEFORE CRASHING INTO SEVERAL TREES AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY. THE 186 HOUR PILOT SAID THAT HE HAD SOME RESERVATIONS ABOUT FLYING TO THAT AIRSTRIP BECAUSE HE HAD INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION ABOUT IT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2127J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2127J-2012-08-23), registration cancelled 2012-08-23, S/N 28-7916204, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-161
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-161](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-161) (registry code 7102803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7916204
- Airframe hours: 4124
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Gull Aviation
- Registered owner: Compis, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 24, 1989, 52 hours before
- Departed: DOYLESTOWN, PA
- Destination: N88, DOYLESTOWN, PA
- Airport: Private, runway 7, 1,900 × 60 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 186 total, 86 in this make and model, 119 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 10 knots, gusting 17
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 18 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19890423052479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890423052479A), Apr 23, 1989: Piper PA28161, Dushore, PA, Substantial damage. Tried three times to depart a short airstrip. Aborted again but unable to stop, ran off end of strip into trees.

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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