# NTSB SEA90LA139: Piper PA-28-140, N5011T, Island Park, ID, July 19, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 18, 1990, 19:30 local (Jul 19, 1990, 02:30 UTC)
- Place: Island Park, ID
- Coordinates: 44.509838, -111.350418 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.5098&lon=-111.3504&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): 41243
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA90LA139
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41243/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90LA139

## Probable cause

IMPROPER PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT.  THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN THE AIRCRAFT'S ABILITY WERE RELATED FACTORS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in aircraft's ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE PIPER PA-28-140 TOOK OFF FROM THE HENRY'S LAKE AIRSTRIP WHEN THE DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8700 FEET.  ACCORDING TO HIM, THE AIRCRAFT 'QUIT FLYING' SHORTLY AFTER BECOMING AIRBORNE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5011T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5011T-2012-12-10), registration cancelled 2012-12-10, S/N 28-7225312, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7225312
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Jim Casad
- Departed: U53
- Airport: U53, Henry'S Lake

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 614 total, 502 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Temperature: 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: WYS, 11 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 19900718032939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900718032939A), Jul 18, 1990: Piper PA28140, Lake/Island Par, ID, Substantial damage. Encountered downdraft on climbout. Crash landed. Density altitude a factor.

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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