# NTSB SEA88LA018: Piper PA-24-400, N400TT, Winnemucca, NV, November 11, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 11, 1987, 15:45 local (23:45 UTC)
- Place: Winnemucca, NV
- Coordinates: 40.97474, -117.72982 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.9747&lon=-117.7298&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 27, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40758
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA88LA018
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40758/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA018

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - fence post (contributing factor)
  - altitude - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS ATTEMPTING TO LAND CLOSE TO THE APPROACH END OF THE RWY. HE MADE THE APPROACH WITH FULL FLAPS AT 85 MPH THE RATE OF DESCENT BECAME EXCESSIVE AND BEFORE RECOVERY WAS AFFECTED THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A FENCE NEAR THE RWY THRESHOLD. THE ACC SITE WAS 4400 FT MSL WITH A DENSITY ALT OF 5500 FT. THE PLT STATED THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE 'DRAGGED' THE HEAVILY LOADED ACFT UNDER THE EXISTING CONDITIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N400TT](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N400TT-2013-08-22), registration cancelled 2013-08-22, S/N 26-30, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-24-400
- Registry model: [Piper PA-24-400](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-400) (registry code 7102408) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-720 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-720-series) (registry code 41546, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 26-30
- Airframe hours: 3030
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-720-A1A 400 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ian T. Allison
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, August 31, 1987
- Departed: SNA, SANTA ROSA, CA
- Airport: Battle Creek Ranch

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 67; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 3,902 total, 2,200 in this make and model, 3,892 as pilot in command, 45 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19871111063449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871111063449A), Nov 11, 1987: Piper PA24400, Winnemucca, NV, Substantial damage. Settled fast on final for a short private strip. Aircraft struck four fence posts at thresold of airstrip.

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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