# NTSB NYC95LA007: Piper PA-22-108, N4878Z, Beans Cove, PA, October 13, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 13, 1994, 11:40 local (15:40 UTC)
- Place: Beans Cove, PA
- Coordinates: 39.910209, -78.369331 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.9102&lon=-78.3693&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report February 14, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 38883
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC95LA007
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/38883/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC95LA007

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance which resulted in an inflight collision with a tree.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

The pilot was doing a low pass over his property when the airplane struck a tree and descended nose down to the ground.  According to the pilot, he applied full power to clear a power line during which the airplane struck a tree.  The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.

## Factual narrative

On October 13, 1994 about 1140 eastern daylight time, N4878Z, a Piper PA-22-108 airplane, a personal flight, collided with a tree during a low pass near Beans Cove, Pennsylvania.  Visual meteorological conditions existed.  The certificated private pilot and passenger were seriously injured.  The airplane was destroyed.  The flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the pilot, "I came through making a low pass.  I gave full power to climb out, climbed over a power line and trees at that point.  I started to level out, and at that point, the right side hit a tree top that I had not seen.  The plane nosed over and ended nose first on the ground."

The FAA interviewed the pilot, and a witness of the accident. According to the FAA, the pilot reported the low pass was over his property.  He also stated the engine operated satisfactory.  The witness indicated "the airplane landed, flew again, then hit a tree.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4878Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4878Z-1997-12-06), registration cancelled 1997-12-06, S/N 228459 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22-108
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-108](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-108) (registry code 7102204) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-8459
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 108 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: William D. Robosson
- Registered owner: William D. Robosson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 1994
- Departed: 1W3, CUMBERLAND, MD

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 179 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: AOO, 210 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 19941013034819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19941013034819A), Oct 13, 1994: Piper PA22108, Beans Cove, PA, Destroyed. Struck a tree during low passover pilots residence.

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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