# NTSB SEA93LA101: Piper PA-25-235, N9637P, Forest Grove, OR, April 24, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 24, 1993, 16:20 local (23:20 UTC)
- Place: Forest Grove, OR
- Coordinates: 45.550098, -123.149574 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.5501&lon=-123.1496&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report February 10, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 43016
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA93LA101
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/43016/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA93LA101

## Probable cause

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE WET TERRAIN, TAILWIND, TREES, AND WIRES.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - wet (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT IN COMMAND ATTEMPTED A NORTHERLY TAKEOFF ON A GRASS STRIP THAT WAS MUDDY AND WET. WINDS DURING THE AFTERNOON WERE SOUTHWESTERLY WITH SPEEDS IN THE TEENS. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT IT TOOK LONGER THAN USUAL TO BECOME AIRBORNE AND THAT THE AIRCRAFT WOULD NOT FLY OUT OF GROUND EFFECT. SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES AND A TELEPHONE LINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9637P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9637P-2013-03-20), registration cancelled 2013-03-20, S/N 25-7405806, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-235
- Registry model: [Piper PA-25-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-25-235) (registry code 7102504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-7405806
- Airframe hours: 4454
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2C5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Stevens, Donald L., doing business as Stevens Flying Service
- Registered owner: Stevens, Gerald Sr. & Fern
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, March 15, 1993, 29 hours before
- Airport: runway 36, 1,300 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 9,999 total, 8,000 in this make and model, 9,000 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 8,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HIO, 9 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 19930424010569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930424010569A), Apr 24, 1993: Piper PA25235, Forest Grove, OR, Substantial damage. Failed to leave ground effect on downwind takeoff from wet muddy strip. Struck trees wires and cartwheeled.

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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