# NTSB SEA90LA077: Piper PA-15, N4527H, Wenatchee, WA, May 13, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 12, 1990, 17:17 local (May 13, 1990, 00:17 UTC)
- Place: Wenatchee, WA
- Coordinates: 47.489467, -120.190368 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.4895&lon=-120.1904&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 20, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41193
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90LA077
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41193/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA077

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING LANDING.

## 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
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DURING THE LANDING ROLLOUT, HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE AIRCRAFT GROUND-LOOPED TO THE RIGHT, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE LEFT WING AND LEFT LANDING GEAR.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4527H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4527H), registered now, S/N 15-300, 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: [Lycoming 0-145B series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-145b-series) (registry code 41502, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15-300
- Engines: LYCOMING O-145-B2 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Craig Christopher
- Departed: EAT
- Airport: EAT, Wenatchee, runway 11, 5,499 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 120 total, 15 in this make and model, 120 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 18,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: EAT

## 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 19900512015619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900512015619A), May 12, 1990: Piper PA15, Wenatchee, WA, Substantial damage. Ground looped on landing. Blamed a wind gust caused loss of 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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