# NTSB SEA90FA086: Rockwell Commander 114, N4907W, Atlanta, ID, May 27, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: May 27, 1990, 16:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Atlanta, ID
- Coordinates: 43.800796, -115.149848 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.8008&lon=-115.1498&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report October 2, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41110
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90FA086
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41110/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90FA086

## Probable cause

POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING PREMATURE LIFT-OFF ON TAKEOFF BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type operation, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - lack of familiarity with geographic area, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - lift-off - premature, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT MADE A TAKEOFF FROM A 2700 FT LONG BACK COUNTRY DIRT STRIP IN HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE CONDITIONS. THE ACFT LIFTED OFF NEAR MID-FIELD, SETTLED BACK ONTO THE RUNWAY, TOOK OFF NEAR THE END OF THE STRIP, AND IMPACTED TREES ON A RIDGELINE 1/4 MILE FROM THE AIRPORT. THE ACFT WAS LOADED TO NEAR MAXIMUM GW.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4907W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4907W-1991-11-13), registration cancelled 1991-11-13, S/N 14232 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ROCKWELL COMMANDER 114 (COMMANDER)
- Registry model: [Rockwell International 114](https://openairdocs.org/model/rockwell-international-114) (registry code 7630314) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 14232
- Airframe hours: 1085
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-T4B5D 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Wayne E. Thornton
- Registered owner: Wayne E Thornton
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 22, 1989, 71 hours before
- Destination: BOI, BOISE, ID
- Airport: NONE, Green Valley, runway 25, 2,700 × 50 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 633 total, 282 in this make and model, 515 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 7,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BOI, 48 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 19900527017409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900527017409A), May 27, 1990: Gulstm 114, Atlanta, ID, Destroyed, 3 fatal. Took off downwind near gross weight high density altitude and failed to clear. Trees on ridge on climbout.

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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