# NTSB SEA87LA076: Piper PA-28-140, N1770J, Alkali Lake, OR, April 4, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 4, 1987, 13:25 local (21:25 UTC)
- Place: Alkali Lake, OR
- Coordinates: 43.590366, -118.890731 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.5904&lon=-118.8907&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 5, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40608
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA87LA076
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40608/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA076

## 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 - final approach
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- Nose gear collapsed, descent - uncontrolled
  - landing gear,nose gear assembly - overload (cause)
  - landing gear,nose gear assembly - failure,total
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

DURING A WINDY CROSSWIND APPROACH THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK THE GROUND SHORT OF THE RUNWAY BREAKING OFF THE NOSE GEAR AND THEN NOSING OVER INVERTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1770J (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-24192
- Airframe hours: 3613
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Glen Fairchild
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 17, 1986, 50 hours before
- Departed: MFR, MEDFORD, OR
- Destination: OR03, ALKALI LAKE, OR
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: OR03, Alkali State, runway 35, 6,150 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 256 total, 256 in this make and model, 21 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19870404008339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870404008339A), Apr 4, 1987: Piper PA28140, Alkali Lake, OR, Substantial damage. The aircraft impacted the ground during an attempted go around in gusty winds. The pilot failed to retract flaps.

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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