# NTSB SEA92LA127: Piper PA-28R-200, N2839R, W. Yellowstone, MT, June 15, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 14, 1992, 18:00 local (Jun 15, 1992, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: W. Yellowstone, MT
- Coordinates: 44.689525, -111.210891 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.6895&lon=-111.2109&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42834
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA92LA127
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42834/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA127

## Probable cause

A STALL/MUSH ENCOUNTERED DUE TO POOR PRE-FLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND GROSS WEIGHT EXCEEDED.

## 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)
  - aircraft weight and balance - exceeded, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall/mush - encountered, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB, JUST AFTER TAKEOFF, WITH TWENTY-FIVE DEGREES OF FLAPS EXTENDED, THE PILOT REPORTED THAT EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. THE AIRPLANE REACHED AN ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 300 FEET AGL WHEN IT BEGAN TO DESCEND AND WOULD NOT MAINTAIN ALTITUDE. THE PILOT INITIATED A LANDING STRAIGHT AHEAD IN AN OPEN FIELD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. POST CRASH INSPECTION REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF A MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. WEIGHT AND BALANCE CALCULATIONS REVEALED THAT THE AIRPLANE EXCEEDED MAXIMUM GROSS WEIGHT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2839R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2839R-2013-09-13), registration cancelled 2013-09-13, S/N 28R-35304, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-200
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-200) (registry code 7102811) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R-35304
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1C 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Hughes, Philip D.
- Registered owner: Hughes, Philip D.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 2, 2000
- Destination: 42U, MT GREEN, UT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 904 total, 355 in this make and model, 839 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 50 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19920614020079A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920614020079A), Jun 14, 1992: Piper PA28R200, West Yellowston, MT, Substantial damage. Failed to climb after takeoff. Settled into gravel pit. Sixty five lbs over gross,high density altitude.

## Other investigations on N2839R (1)

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.

- [NTSB SEA70F0075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA70F0075), Aug 30, 1969: Piper PA-28 (N2839R), Lester, WA, substantial damage

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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