# NTSB SEA87FA178: Piper PA-20, N6901K, Chelan, WA, August 28, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 27, 1987, 19:30 local (Aug 28, 1987, 02:30 UTC)
- Place: Chelan, WA
- Coordinates: 47.890579, -119.990791 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.8906&lon=-119.9908&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 6, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40535
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA87FA178
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40535/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87FA178

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS OBSERVED MAKING A ENGINE OUT LANDING AT HIS PRIVATE GRASS/DIRT STRIP. THE DIRT STRIP IS LOCATED ON A PLATEAU WITH THE RUNWAY STARTING AT THE EDGE OF THE PLATEAU. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED IN A STEEP NOSE DOWN ATTITUDE BELOW THE RUNWAY LEVEL ON A HEADING PERPENDICULAR TO THE RUNWAY. THE MAGNETO SWITCH WAS FOUND IN THE OFF POSITION. WITNESSES REPORTED THE PILOT HAD PRACTICED DEAD ENG LANDINGS AT THE AIRSTRIP BEFORE THE ACCIDENT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering
  - powerplant controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - emergency
  - descent - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed(vso) - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6901K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6901K-2012-10-16), registration cancelled 2012-10-16, S/N 20-3 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-20
- Registry model: [Piper PA-20](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-20) (registry code 7102002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Airframe hours: 2168
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290 125 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Don J. Perri
- Registered owner: Don J Perri
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1984, 194 hours before
- Airport: runway 34, 2,500 × 50 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,372 total, 59 in this make and model, 29 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: EAT, 29 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 19870827048329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870827048329A), Aug 27, 1987: Piper PA20, Chelan, WA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Stalled trying to make runway while practicing a forced landing by turning magnetos off. Unauthorized auto fuel.

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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