# NTSB SEA07CA122: Piper PA-22, N1394C, Chiloquin, OR, May 4, 2007 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: May 4, 2007, 15:55 local (22:55 UTC) - Place: Chiloquin, OR - Coordinates: 42.566665, -121.866668 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.5667&lon=-121.8667&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious, 2 minor, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report July 25, 2007 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 65711 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA07CA122 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/65711/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07CA122 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff and initial climb. High vegetation was a factor. ## 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 vegetation (contributing factor) - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - Nose over, other ## Analysis The private pilot reported that shortly after takeoff from runway 35, "the plane settled and would not climb. I believe we were in a downdraft. Thinking we could not clear rising terrain ahead, I turned into the wind." The pilot stated that after turning into the wind the airplane climbed better, but he still felt as if the airplane was in a downdraft. After maneuvering the airplane, the pilot acknowledged that the airplane was going to contact the ground and pulled the yoke full aft "to land uphill." The airplane contacted the ground, encountered heavy brush, and nosed-over resulting in substantial damage. The pilot did not report any pre-accident mechanical anomalies. The pilot reported that the airplane's gross weight at takeoff was 1,989 pounds. He reported that the airplane's maximum gross takeoff weight was 2,000 pounds. The winds were from 320 degrees magnetic at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. The temperature was 50 degrees F and the airport elevation was 4,217 feet above mean sea level (msl). ## Factual narrative The private pilot reported that shortly after takeoff from runway 35, "the plane settled and would not climb. I believe we were in a downdraft. Thinking we could not clear rising terrain ahead, I turned into the wind." The pilot stated that after turning into the wind the airplane climbed better, but he still felt as if the airplane was in a downdraft. After maneuvering the airplane, the pilot acknowledged that the airplane was going to contact the ground and pulled the yoke full aft "to land uphill." The airplane contacted the ground, encountered heavy brush, and nosed-over resulting in substantial damage. The pilot did not report any pre-accident mechanical anomalies. At the time of the accident the airplane contained approximately 27 gallons of fuel (100LL). The pilot reported that the airplane's gross weight at takeoff was 1,989 pounds. He reported that the airplane's maximum gross takeoff weight was 2,000 pounds. The pilot reported that the winds were from 320 degrees magnetic at 10 knots, gusting to 15 knots. He reported a temperature of 50 degrees F. The published airport elevation for Chiloquin State is 4,217 feet above mean sea level (msl). ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1394C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1394C-2009-01-06), registration cancelled 2009-01-06, S/N 22-1149, built 1953 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-22 - Registry model: [Piper PA-22](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22) (registry code 7102202) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 22-1149 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-A1A 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Ronald E. Gullickson - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: 2S7, Chiloquin, OR - Destination: 2S7, CHILOQUIN, OR - Airport: 2S7, Chiloquin State, runway 35, 3,735 × 60 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 64; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; seat: left; flight hours: 1,160 total, 879 in this make and model, 18 in the last 90 days, 11 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 320° at 10 knots, gusting 15 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Temperature: 50 °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 20070504007799A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070504007799A), May 4, 2007: Piper PA22, Chiloquin, OR, Substantial damage. (-23) Aircraft N1394C a Piper PA-22 tri pacer piloted by [privacy data omitted] departed Chiloquin state airport (elevation 4217 ft) on runway 35 at… 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.