# NTSB SEA91FA054: Piper PA-15, N4518H, Cottage Grove, OR, February 20, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 19, 1991, 20:56 local (Feb 20, 1991, 04:56 UTC)
- Place: Cottage Grove, OR
- Coordinates: 43.710876, -123.030265 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.7109&lon=-123.0303&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report December 4, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41303
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91FA054
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41303/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91FA054

## Probable cause

THE PILOT DID NOT MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED.  FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE:  A DARK NIGHT CONDITION AND AN UNCONTROLLED STALL/SPIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/spin - uncontrolled, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER TAKE OFF FROM AN UNCONTROLLED STRIP DURING DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS, THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE.  THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN IN A VERTICAL, NOSE DOWN POSITION.  DURING THE POST CRASH INSPECTION, THERE WERE NO NOTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE AIRPLANE OR ENGINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4518H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4518H), registered now, S/N 15292 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-15
- Registry model: [Piper PA-15](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-15) (registry code 7101502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15-292
- Airframe hours: 1506
- Engines: LYCOMING O-145-B2 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Leslie W. Beaver
- Last inspection: Annual, September 23, 1990, 47 hours before
- Destination: 77S, CRESWELL, OR
- Airport: 61S, Cottage Grove State, runway 33, 3,200 × 60 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 645 total, 467 in this make and model, 599 as pilot in command, 24 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 140° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 7,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: EUG, 21 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 19910219002899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910219002899A), Feb 19, 1991: Piper PA15, Cottage Grove, OR, Substantial damage, 2 fatal. Crashed into trees at night off end runway. No fuel present. No electric system or panel lights. Auto battery used.

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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