# NTSB SEA07CA057: Piper PA-38-112, N9670T, Ontario, OR, February 4, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: February 4, 2007, 14:35 local (22:35 UTC)
- Place: Ontario, OR
- Coordinates: 43.425556, -117.34333
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.4256&lon=-117.3433&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 25, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 65237
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA07CA057
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/65237/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07CA057

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to obtain and maintain an airspeed above Vs after lifting off of a remote gravel airstrip. Factors include the pilot's failure to correctly understand the procedure to use for a soft-field takeoff.

## 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
  - airspeed(vs) - not obtained/maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - soft field takeoff/procedure - not understood, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - stall/mush - encountered, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

The aircraft descended into a reservoir off the departure end of the runway during the takeoff initial climb. The pilot held the control yoke in the full aft position during the entire takeoff roll. Due to the position of the control yoke, the aircraft used considerably more runway than it would have if the yoke had been in the near-neutral position. After lifting off approximately 1,600 feet down the 1,840 foot runway, the aircraft traveled about 300 more feet before settling into a reservoir that was just off the departure end of the runway.  There was no report of any engine or flight control problem.

## Factual narrative

During a takeoff from a remote airstrip of hard-packed gravel, the pilot held the control yoke in the full aft position during the entire takeoff roll. Due to the position of the control yoke, the aircraft used considerably more runway than it would have if the yoke had been in the near-neutral position. After lifting off approximately 1,600 feet down the 1,840 foot runway, the aircraft traveled about 300 more feet before settling into a reservoir that was just off the departure end of the runway. In the Operators Safety Recommendation section of the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot wrote "Better takeoff technique." There was no report of any engine or flight control problem.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9670T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9670T-2013-08-08), registration cancelled 2013-08-08, S/N 38-78A0154, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-38-112
- Registry model: [Piper PA-38-112](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-38-112) (registry code 7103812) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 78A0154
- Engines: Lycoming O-235-L2C reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William O. Dodd Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 28U, Ontario, OR
- Destination: KEUL, Caldwell, ID
- Airport: 28U, Owyhee Reservoir State, runway 12, 1,840 × 30 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; flight hours: 90 total, 90 in this make and model, 12 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 43 °F

## 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 20070204001089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070204001089A), Feb 4, 2007: Piper PA38112, Owyhee, OR, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot was departing from Owyhee Reservoir airport which is a gravel strip and canyon terrain. Pilot was using back pressure on yoke of aircraft (soft…

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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