# NTSB SEA96LA088: Piper PA-28-161, N3568D, Harper, OR, May 4, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 4, 1996, 10:30 local (17:30 UTC)
- Place: Harper, OR
- Coordinates: 43.860649, -117.639778 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.8606&lon=-117.6398&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 28, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42361
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA96LA088
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42361/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA96LA088

## Probable cause

the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain (landing area) for a precautionary landing.  A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot became ill during the flight.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - physical impairment(organic problem), pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation
  - directional control - not possible
  - terrain condition - berm

## Analysis

The pilot reported that while airborne, he felt ill and decided to make a precautionary landing on a dirt road. During the landing roll, the right wing collided with sage brush. The pilot was then unable to maintain directional control, and the airplane subsequently collided with a berm.

## Factual narrative

On May 4, 1996, about 1030 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28- 161, N3568D, operated as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with a berm during the landing roll on a dirt road, 28 miles south of Harper, Oregon.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no 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 Nampa, Idaho, about 1 hour and 30 minutes before the accident.

The pilot reported that while in flight he experienced stomach cramps and dizziness and decided to make a precautionary landing on a dirt road.  The pilot stated that after the airplane touched down, the right wing collided with a sage brush.  The pilot was unable to maintain control of the airplane which subsequently collided with a berm.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3568D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3568D-2011-11-29), registration cancelled 2011-11-29, S/N 28-8016205, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-28-161
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-161](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-161) (registry code 7102803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-8016205
- Airframe hours: 2484
- Engines: Lycoming O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James R. Breuer
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 11, 1995, 89 hours before
- Departed: S67, NAMPA, ID

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 103 total, 7 in this make and model, 2 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Temperature: 45 °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 19960504009339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960504009339A), May 4, 1996: Piper PA28161, Harper, OR, Substantial damage. Struck berm landing on dirt road. Emergency landing due stomach cramps and dizzyness. Wing hit sagebrush.

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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