# NTSB SEA91LA240: Piper PA-28-161, N514PU, Ellensburg, WA, September 16, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 16, 1991, 08:15 local (15:15 UTC)
- Place: Ellensburg, WA
- Coordinates: 46.97089, -120.470787 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.9709&lon=-120.4708&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41538
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA240
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41538/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA240

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN TERRAIN CLEARANCE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN THE AIRCRAFT'S ABILITY, AND FLIGHT IN A BOX CANYON WHERE REMEDIAL ACTION WAS NOT POSSIBLE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Forced landing, climb
  - terrain condition - blind/box canyon (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in aircraft's ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - remedial action - not possible (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - none suitable

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF THE PIPER PA-28-161 PROCEEDED ALONG A CANYON, INITIATING A CLIMB AS THE CANYON BEGAN TO RISE.  THE CANYON NARROWED AND THE PILOT ELECTED TO LAND ON A ROAD STRAIGHT AHEAD, RATHER THAN ATTEMPTING A COURSE REVERSAL.  THE AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE WHEN IT STRUCK THE TERRAIN AND BRUSH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N514PU (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-161
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-8316099
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Midstate Aviation, Inc.
- Registered owner: Midstate Aviation, Inc.
- Departed: ELN, ELLENSBURG, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 308 total, 50 in this make and model, 247 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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 19910916044529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910916044529A), Sep 16, 1991: Piper PA28161, Ellensburg, WA, Substantial damage. Looking for elk in box canyon. Unable to climb out or turn around. Landing on a primitive road struck brush.

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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