# NTSB SEA95LA172: Piper PA-28-140, N98350, Sekiu, WA, August 6, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 6, 1995, 14:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Sekiu, WA
- Coordinates: 48.289608, -124.400123 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.2896&lon=-124.4001&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 18, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42212
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA95LA172
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42212/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA95LA172

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WEATHER NECESSITATING A LANDING ON A HIGHWAY. THE WEATHER WAS A FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - flight into adverse weather - continued, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - roadway/highway (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - utility pole

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHILE EN ROUTE TO HIS FINAL DESTINATION, THE WEATHER AT THE AIRPORT AND IN THE SURROUNDING AREA DETERIORATED. HE OPTED TO LAND ON A HIGHWAY BEFORE RUNNING OUT OF GAS. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A TELEPHONE POLE.

## Factual narrative

On August 6, 1995, at 1400 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28- 140, N98350, registered to and operated by a private owner as a 14 CFR Part 91 flight, collided with a telephone pole during a precautionary landing on a road near Sekiu, Washington.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed.  The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot and his three passengers were not injured.  The flight had originated from Tofino, Canada, on August 6, 1995, at 1300, for the pleasure flight to Port Angeles, Washington.

The pilot reported that while en route to Port Angeles, the weather deteriorated and he was unable to land at Port Angeles under visual conditions.  The weather in the surrounding area deteriorated and the pilot stated that he decided to land the airplane on a highway before the airplane ran out of gas.  During the landing roll, the left wing collided with a telephone pole.

To this date, the pilot has not returned the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report Form.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N98350](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N98350-2013-09-12), registration cancelled 2013-09-12, S/N 28-26181, built 1969 (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)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-26181
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John T. Franich
- Registered owner: Jill Cusack
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: YAZ, TOFINO
- Destination: CLM, PORT ANGELES, WA
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 600 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 900 ft broken
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CLM, 34 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 19950806022119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950806022119A), Aug 6, 1995: Piper PA28140, Sekiu, WA, Substantial damage. Low on fuel and worsening weather elected to land on a road. Left wing struck a telephone pole on landing roll.

## Other investigations on N98350 (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 FTW76FPM03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW76FPM03), Jul 17, 1975: Piper PA-28 (N98350), Tulsa, OK, 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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