# NTSB NYC91LA167: Piper PA-32R-300, N5002F, Rhinebeck, NY, July 2, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 2, 1991, 19:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Rhinebeck, NY
- Coordinates: 41.919345, -73.900794 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.9193&lon=-73.9008&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 September 28, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36953
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC91LA167
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36953/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC91LA167

## Probable cause

THE PILOT DID NOT CALCULATED THE AIRPLANE'S PERFORMANCE DATA TO INSURE THAT HE HAD ENOUGH RUNWAY TO CLEAR AN OBSTACLE AT THE END OF THE FIELD, WHICH RESULTED IN THE AIRPLANE'S LANDING GEAR STRIKING HIGH HEDGES, SUBSEQUENTLY THE PILOT ELECTED TO LAND IN A FIELD AND IMPACTED WITH A FENCE.  A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S OVER CONFIDENCE IN THE AIRPLANE'S PERFORMANCE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s)
  - performance data - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in aircraft's ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lift-off - delayed, pilot in command
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - fence

## Analysis

DURING TAKE OFF FROM A FARM FIELD THE AIRPLANE'S LANDING GEAR STRUCK THE TOP OF A HIGH HEDGE ABOUT 1800 FEET FROM THE INITIAL TAKE OFF POINT.  THE PILOT CUT THE POWER AND ELECTED TO LAND IN AN ADJOINING FIELD.  THE AIRPLANE SLID ON WET GRASS, HIT A FENCE WITH THE LEFT WING, HIT ANOTHER FENCE WITH THE RIGHT WING AND TURNED 180 DEGREES BEFORE COMING TO REST.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5002F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5002F-2014-10-14), registration cancelled 2014-10-14, S/N 32R-7780001, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-300
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32R-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32r-300) (registry code 7103213) (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: 32R-7780001
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-KIG5 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Catskill Transportation
- Registered owner: Catskill Transportation
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Destination: 20N, KINGSTON, NY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 650 total, 300 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Observed at: POU, 19 nm away

## 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 19910702025709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910702025709A), Jul 2, 1991: Piper PA32R300, Rhinebeck, NY, Substantial damage. On takeoff from farm field gear hit top of a hedge. Cut power landednext field. Slid on wet grass into a fence.

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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