# NTSB SEA91LA160: Piper PA-28-140, N5961U, Bryce Canyon, UT, July 7, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 7, 1991, 08:38 local (14:38 UTC)
- Place: Bryce Canyon, UT
- Location: 37.6283° N, 112.1677° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Bryce Canyon, UT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.6283&lon=-112.1677&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41472
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA160
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41472/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA160

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S ENTRY INTO A STALL/MUSH CONDITION SHORTLY AFTER TAKE OFF. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE.

## 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
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - stall/mush - encountered, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB AFTER TAKE OFF THE PILOT SAID THE AIRCRAFT WOULDN'T CLIMB AND STARTED DESCENDING.  THE PILOT DECIDED TO MAINTAIN HIS HEADING FOR THE FORCED LANDING IN THE DESERT.  DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS CALCULATED TO BE ABOUT 9500 FEET.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5961U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5961U-1992-01-30), registration cancelled 1992-01-30, S/N 2826848 (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-26848
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2A 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Kalin Werner
- Registered owner: Kalin Werner
- Destination: L66, CORONA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,257 total, 450 in this make and model, 1,179 as pilot in command, 61 in the last 90 days, 41 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19910707026349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910707026349A), Jul 7, 1991: Piper PA28140, Bryce Canyon, UT, Substantial damage. Unable to climb after takeoff force landed in desert. High density altitude and near gross weight were factors.

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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