# NTSB SEA91LA204: Piper PA-28-181, N8444S, Sunriver, OR, August 9, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 9, 1991, 15:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Sunriver, OR
- Coordinates: 43.829406, -121.490257 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.8294&lon=-121.4903&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41509
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA204
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41509/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA204

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS, WHICH RESULTED IN A FAILURE TO MAINTAIN RUNWAY ALIGNMENT. THE GUSTY CROSSWIND WAS A RELATED FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

UPON ARRIVAL IN THE VICINITY OF THE AIRPORT THE PILOT IN COMMAND COMMENCED A VISUAL APPROACH TO RUNWAY 18.  DURING HER APPROACH SHE ASCERTAINED A STRONG WESTERLY CROSSWIND.  WITNESSES REPORTED GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS.  DURING THE LANDING FLARE THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN DRIFTING LEFT.  THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO EXECUTE A SUCCESSFUL GO AROUND BEFORE THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A TREE 200 FEET EAST OF THE RUNWAY CENTERLINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8444S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8444S), registered now, S/N 28-8290025, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-8290025
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Redwood Aviation, doing business as Let'S Fly, Inc.
- Departed: LMT, KLAMATH FALLS, OR
- Airport: S21, Sunriver, runway 18, 5,500 × 65 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 450 total, 40 in this make and model, 50 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 20 knots, gusting 27
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Observed at: RDM, 27 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 19910809033299A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910809033299A), Aug 9, 1991: Piper PA28181, Bend, OR, Substantial damage. Tried to land in gusty quartering tail wind. Drifted off runway. Began late go around. Hit tree 200 feet off runway

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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