# NTSB SEA87LA040: Piper PA-32-300, N4116R, Gates, OR, December 31, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 30, 1986, 17:15 local (Dec 31, 1986, 01:15 UTC)
- Place: Gates, OR
- Coordinates: 45.609481, -123.269508 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.6095&lon=-123.2695&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 4 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40577
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA87LA040
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40577/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA040

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND THE AIRCRAFT AT NIGHT ON AN UNLIT GRASS AIRSTRIP. PRIOR TO REACHING THE AIRSTRIP THE PLT COLLIDED WITH AN APPLE TREE. BOTH WINGS WERE SEVERED FROM THE AIRCRAFT AND IT WENT INVERTED BEFORE STRIKING THE GROUND IN A SLIGHTLY NOSE LOW ATTITUDE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, landing
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - airport facilities,runway edge lights - inadequate (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4116R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4116R-2014-10-06), registration cancelled 2014-10-06, S/N 32-40435, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-300
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-300) (registry code 7103212) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-40435
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1A5 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Craig Fleshman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 3S2, AURORA, OR
- Destination: 6S4, GATES, OR
- Airport: 6SY, Davis

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 500 total, 500 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 90° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 36 °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 19861230069869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861230069869A), Dec 30, 1986: Piper PA32300, Gates, OR, Destroyed. The aircraft struck a tree during a night approach to an unlit private airstrip and was destroyed.

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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