# NTSB SEA90LA120: Piper PA-32R, N38575, Island Park, ID, July 3, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 3, 1990, 08:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Island Park, ID
- Coordinates: 44.509532, -111.350082 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.5095&lon=-111.3501&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 20, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41228
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90LA120
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41228/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA120

## Probable cause

PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL, WHILE ATTEMPTING A SOFT-FIELD TAKEOFF.  THE CROSSWIND WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - grass
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - object - fence

## Analysis

THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A NOSE-HIGH SOFT-FIELD TAKEOFF FROM THE 4644 FEET MSL GRASS RUNWAY WITH A DIRECT CROSSWIND OF EIGHT TO TEN KNOTS.  DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.  SUBSEQUENTLY, THE AIRCRAFT ROLLED THROUGH A FENCE AT THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY & WAS DAMAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N38575](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N38575), registered now, S/N 32R-7780444, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32R-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32r-300) (registry code 7103213) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-7780444
- Airframe hours: 1720
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert E. Jones
- Registered owner: Steven A. Teerlink/Robertjones
- Last inspection: 100 hour, March 16, 1990, 94 hours before
- Departed: U53
- Destination: JAC, JACKSON HOLE, WY
- Airport: U53, Henry'S Lake, runway 24, 4,600 × 170 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 238 total, 48 in this make and model, 213 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 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 19900703023299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900703023299A), Jul 3, 1990: Piper PA32R300, Lake/Island Par, ID, Substantial damage. Departed downwind side of runway trying soft field crosswind takeoff. Ran through a fence. High density altitude.

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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