# NTSB SEA07FA031: Piper PA-28-140, N5618U, Bandon, OR, December 12, 2006 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report - Date: December 12, 2006, 12:48 local (20:48 UTC) - Place: Bandon, OR - Coordinates: 43.097221, -124.399444 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.0972&lon=-124.3994&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report November 29, 2007 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Piper Aircraft, Inc, Textron Lycoming, FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 64999 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA07FA031 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/64999/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07FA031 ## Probable cause The loss of aircraft control in the traffic pattern for undetermined reasons. ## Analysis Approximately 30 minutes after the pilot's initial takeoff, witnesses reported seeing the airplane in a steep, nose-low, left downwind to base turn for the intended runway. The witness reported the airplane continued the descending turn until loosing sight of the aircraft behind a tree line. The wreckage was later located in the general vicinity of the witnesses sighting. The airplane impacted terrain in the left wing down, nose-low attitude. The pilot's last radio transmission, on the Unicom frequency, was a position report indicating he was turning from downwind to base. A review of logbook records indicated the student pilot had accumulated approximately 325 hours of total time, of which 261 hours were solo. The pilot's past medical history included nonspecific recent arm pain. Severe atherosclerotic heart disease was cited as a significant finding in the autopsy. Toxicology testing revealed positive results for a prescription anti-depressant. The pilot held a current student pilot certificate. Post accident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence to indicate a pre-impact mechanical malfunction or irregularity with the airplane that may have contributed to the accident. ## Factual narrative HISTORY OF FLIGHT On December 12, 2006, at 1248 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-28-140, N5618U, sustained substantial damage when it collided with terrain approximately 1 mile northeast of the Bandon State Airport, Bandon, Oregon. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) solo training flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91. The student pilot, who also owned the airplane, was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The flight originated from Bandon about 1220. According to the pilot's flight instructor, the student pilot planned on doing touch-and-go take-off and landings at Bandon. A witness reported that he observed the airplane in a steep, nose-low, left downwind to base turn (runway 16). The witness reported the airplane continued the descending turn until loosing sight of the aircraft behind a tree line. The wreckage was later located in a cranberry bog in the general vicinity of the witnesses sighting. The airplane impacted terrain in the left wing down, nose-low attitude. PERSONNEL INFORMATION FAA records indicated that on February 16, 2004, the pilot was issued a Third Class Airman Medical and Student Pilot Certificate. The certificate contained a limitation that required the pilot to wear corrective lenses while exercising the privileges of the airman's certificate. On the application form (Form 8500-8), the pilot listed 0 hours of flight time. Additionally, the airman records indicated the pilot was issued a Third Class Airman Medical and Student Pilot Certificate on February 6, 2006. The certificate also contained the limitation that required the pilot to wear corrective lenses. On the application form for the certificate, the pilot listed 248 hours total flight time, of which 89 were accrued during the 6-month period preceding the medical certificate. The Third Class Airman Medical and Student Pilot Certificate, issued on February 6, 2006, was located at the accident site. Review of the certificate showed that it had been endorsed by the student pilot's certified flight instructor (CFI) for solo flight operations in a "PA28-140," the same make and model as the accident airplane. The endorsement was dated August 21, 2004. Flight time logbook records showed that the pilot logged approximately 325 hours of total time, of which 261 hours were solo. The pilot's most recent 90-day solo endorsement was on October 11, 2006. The pilot's most recent dual instructional flight was on October 11, 2006. The flight was 1 hour in duration. AIRCRAFT INFORMATION The airplane, a single-engine Piper, serial number 28-26413, was manufactured in 1969 and was certified in the normal and utility category. The airplane was equipped with a Textron Lycoming O-320 engine. Maintenance records indicated that the airplane's last inspection, an annual inspection of the airframe, engine and propeller, was completed on October 10, 2006. The airframe total time at inspection was 3,577.9 hours. The airplane had accumulated approximately 18 hours from the time of the inspection to the time of the accident. No open maintenance discrepancies were noted during a review of the logbook records. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records indicated that the pilot purchased the airplane in November of 2004. COMMUNICATIONS The pilot's last radio transmission, on the Unicom frequency, was a position report. He stated he was turning from downwind to base. WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION Representatives from the National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Piper Aircraft and Textron Lycoming examined the wreckage on December 13-14. The crash site was located in the confines of a drained cranberry bog approximately 150 feet above mean sea level (MSL). The surrounding terrain was flat and bordered by deciduous trees. The site was located approximately .5 miles northeast of the approach end of runway 16. The wreckage debris field encompassed an area approximately 180 feet in length (from west to east). The first identified point of contact was a ground scar on the west end of the debris field. Red glass, consistent in size and color to the left navigation light, was observed near the first identified point of contact with the ground (west end of the debris field). Numerous fragments consisting of cockpit instrumentation, system components, airframe structure and personal belongings were scattered from the initial impact point to the main wreckage. A majority of the wreckage was located at the east end of the debris field. The main wreckage consisted of the remains of the engine assembly, fuselage, pieces of the wing assembly and empennage. The wreckage was severely fragmented. Impact damage and post-crash thermal related damage was noted to the airframe and associated components. The left wing separated from the fuselage at the wing root and was broken into several pieces. Impact related damage was noted to the outboard leading edge of the wing. The associated aileron and flap were partially attached to the wing assembly. The right wing remained attached to the fuselage. Impact and thermal related damage was noted to the assembly. The associated aileron and flap remained attached to the wing assembly. The empennage was located with the main wreckage. The vertical stabilizer and rudder remained attached to the airframe and little damage was noted to the assembly. A majority of the horizontal stabilator assembly remained attached to the airframe. Extensive impact related damage was noted to the horizontal stabilator. The left outboard section of the stabilator was separated from the assembly. The section was located along the wreckage debris path. The engine remained partially attached to the airframe and was located with the main wreckage. Impact and thermal related damage was noted to the entire assembly. The 2-bladed propeller was separated from the engine and located near the midway point of the wreckage debris path. Aft bending, chord wise striations, polishing and tortional bending were noted to both blades. All major aircraft components and flight controls were located at the crash site. Examination of the components revealed no evidence of a pre impact fire or anomaly that may have affected the airplane's performance or flight characteristics. MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION The following medical information was extracted from the medical records maintained on the pilot by the FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Division: 2/16/04 - The pilot's application for the Third Class Airman Medical and Student Pilot Certificate notes "No" for "Currently Use Any Medication" and notes "No" to all items under "Medical History," specifically including "Mental disorders of any sort." Under "Occupation" is noted "Owner/Operator Truck Driver." The pilot's height is noted as 70 inches and weight as 260 lbs. Blood pressure is noted as 112/70. 2/6/06 - The pilot's most recent application for the Third Class Airman Medical and Student Pilot Certificate notes "No" for "Currently Use Any Medication" and notes "No" to all items under "Medical History," specifically including "Mental disorders of any sort." Under "Occupation" is noted "Truck Driver." The pilot's height is noted as 71 inches and weight as 238 lbs. Blood pressure is noted as 118/84. The following medical information was extracted from the report of autopsy performed by the Oregon Deputy State Medical Examiner: Under "Past Medical History" is noted: "Recent pain in arms according to interview with decedent's wife. Unknown further." Under "External Description" is noted, in part, "...The decedent has a nicotine patch on the right arm." Under "Internal Description" is noted, in part: "...The heart has normal coronary artery ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - base turn - reason for occurrence undetermined, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5618U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5618U-2007-12-14), registration cancelled 2007-12-14, S/N 28-26413, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-28-140 - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-26413 - Airframe hours: 3577 - Engines: Lycoming O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Registered owner: Alan E. Menje - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, October 1, 2006, 18 hours before - Departed: S05, BANDON, OR - Destination: S05 - Airport: S05, Bandon State ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 55; injuries: fatal; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 325 total, 261 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 170° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 54 °F - Altimeter: 30.20 inHg - Observed at: OTH, 21 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 20061212028629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20061212028629A), Dec 12, 2006: Piper PA28140, Brandon, OR, Destroyed, 1 fatal. (-23) The aircraft (N5618U) flown by the pilot [privacy data omitted] took off from the bandon State airport at approximately 1220L and crashed at 1248L. The… 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.