# NTSB SEA04LA101: Piper PA-18A, N7094D, Trego, MT, June 8, 2004 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 8, 2004, 09:00 local (15:00 UTC) - Place: Trego, MT - Coordinates: 48.725555, -114.880279 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.7256&lon=-114.8803&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report December 3, 2004 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 59413 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA04LA101 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/59413/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04LA101 ## Probable cause Failure to maintain clearance from trees during the initial climb. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, takeoff - object - tree(s) (contributing factor) - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot reported that the takeoff roll and liftoff were normal, however, shortly after becoming airborne he experienced a lower than normal rate of climb. As the airplane approached the end of the field, the pilot turned to the west toward lower terrain in an effort to clear the approaching tree line. The pilot stated that after initiating the turn, the airplane collided with trees and ultimately impacted terrain in an inverted, nose-low attitude. The departure airstrip is approximately 2,000 feet in length and is bordered by large trees. The field elevation is approximately 2,800 feet MSL. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported. ## Factual narrative On June 8, 2004, about 0900 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-18A, N7094D, was destroyed after colliding with trees and terrain shortly after takeoff from an alfalfa field/airstrip near Trego, Montana. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) positioning flight under the provisions of 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries in the accident. The airplane is owned by Kasilof Fisheries, Inc, of Trego, Montana. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The pilot's planned destination was Eureka, Montana. In a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board IIC on June 14, the pilot reported that the takeoff roll and liftoff were normal, however, shortly after becoming airborne he experienced a lower than normal rate of climb. As the airplane approached the end of the field, the pilot turned to the west toward lower terrain in an effort to clear the approaching tree line. The pilot stated that after initiating the turn, the airplane collided with trees and ultimately impacted terrain in an inverted, nose-low attitude. The departure airstrip is approximately 2,000 feet in length and is bordered by large trees. The field elevation is approximately 2,800 feet MSL. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N7094D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7094D), registered now, S/N 18-5584, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-18A - Registry model: [Piper PA-18A 150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-18a-150) (registry code 7101837) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 18-5584 - Airframe hours: 7000 - Engines: Lycoming O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Destroyed - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Part 91 - Operator: Chance W. Chacon - Registered owner: Kasilof Fisheries, Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, June 24, 2004, 1.5 hours before - Departed: Trego, MT ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 34; injuries: minor; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane, helicopter; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; last flight review June 30, 2003; seat: center; flight hours: 1,300 total, 400 in this make and model, 1,100 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 200° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 34 °F - Altimeter: 29.94 inHg - Observed at: KFCA, 38 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 20040608010209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20040608010209A), Jun 8, 2004: Piper PA18A150, Fortine, MT, Destroyed. (-23) Aircraft failed to attain adequate climb angle while departing pasture-impacted trees. Descending airflow over hill and trees may have been a factor. 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.