# NTSB SEA89LA158: Piper PA-15, N4549H, Independence, OR, August 27, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 27, 1989, 10:53 local (17:53 UTC)
- Place: Independence, OR
- Coordinates: 44.829757, -123.199562 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.8298&lon=-123.1996&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 10, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41067
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA158
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41067/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA158

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT GROUND LOOP AND SUBSEQUENT OVERLOAD FAILURE OF THE LEFT MAIN GEAR.  A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: IMPROPER FLARE BY THE PILOT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - flare - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, landing
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

DURING THE LANDING, THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN WITH SLOW AIRSPEED (RPRTDLY TAILWHEEL 1ST), THEN GROUND LOOPED TO THE RIGHT.   SUBSEQUENTLY, THE LEFT MAIN GEAR COLLAPSED, THE RIGHT WING WAS DAMAGED AND THE PROP STRUCK THE GROUND. NO PREVIOUS MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WERE REPORTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4549H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4549H), registered now, S/N 15-323, built 1948 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-15
- Registry model: [Piper PA-15](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-15) (registry code 7101502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15-323
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Patsy R. Rokus
- Airport: 7S5, Independence State, runway 16, 3,070 × 60 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; flight hours: 300 total, 25 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,000 ft broken
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: SLE, 8 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 19890827031809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890827031809A), Aug 27, 1989: Piper PA15, Independence, OR, Substantial damage. Overcontrolled on landing. Touched down tail first. Lost control.

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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