# NTSB SEA87LA144: Piper PA-11, N5030H, The Dalles, OR, July 22, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 22, 1987, 08:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: The Dalles, OR
- Coordinates: 45.540897, -121.14981 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.5409&lon=-121.1498&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40662
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA87LA144
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40662/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA144

## 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 - high wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - compensation for wind conditions - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS AT 50 FEET AGL ON FINAL APPROACH TO LAND AT HIS PRIVATE AIRSTRIP WHEN HE LOST CONTROL. REPORTEDLY, A GUST OF WIND TURNED THE AIRCRAFT 180 DEGREES. THE AIRCRAFT DESCENDED AND STRUCK TREES AND THE GROUND. WINDS WERE REPORTED VARIABLE AT 40 TO 45 KNOTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5030H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5030H), registered now, S/N 11-910, built 1949 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-11
- Registry model: [Piper PA-11](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-11) (registry code 7101102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C90 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c90-series) (registry code 17009, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 11-910
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Claude L. Berthold
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 15, 1986
- Departed: MOFFIT, OR
- Airport: Private

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 68; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; flight hours: 10,000 total, 30 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 40 knots, gusting 45
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °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 19870722042639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870722042639A), Jul 22, 1987: Piper PA11, The Dalles, OR, Substantial damage. Lost control trying to land in a severe gusty wind. Hit trees and crashed.

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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