# NTSB SEA97LA093: Piper PA-28-140, N6121J, Rawlins, WY, April 26, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 26, 1997, 15:55 local (21:55 UTC) - Place: Rawlins, WY - Coordinates: 41.780792, -107.220329 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.7808&lon=-107.2203&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report October 14, 1997 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 42592 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA97LA093 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42592/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA093 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadequate preflight planning. Factors include high density altitude, downdrafts, and rough/uneven terrain in the area where the pilot attempted the emergency landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Forced landing, takeoff - initial climb - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor) - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor) - Gear collapsed, emergency landing - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor) ## Analysis The pilot attempted a takeoff in high density altitude conditions, and encountered downdrafts during the initial climb. Because it became apparent that the aircraft would not outclimb the terrain, the pilot elected to make an emergency landing on the rough/uneven ground. Upon touchdown, both main gear were torn from the wings. The pilot later stated that, although he had checked the weight and balance, he had not calculated the expected rate of climb under the conditions. The expected rate of climb was later determined to be approximately 250 feet per minute. The aircraft came to rest about one mile from the end of the runway, on terrain that was about 150 to 200 feet higher than the runway surface. ## Factual narrative On April 26, 1997, approximately 1555 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N6121J, experienced a gear collapse during an emergency landing while attempting to climb over rising terrain after taking off from Rawlins Municipal Airport, Rawlins, Wyoming. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The FAR Part 91 personal pleasure flight, which was departing for Rangely, Colorado, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot had filed a VFR flight plan prior to departure, and the ELT, which was activated by the impact, was turned off at the scene. According to the pilot, who was operating near maximum allowable gross weight, there was no problem with the aircraft's engine, but he was unable to outclimb the rising terrain after encountering downdrafts after takeoff . When it became apparent that the aircraft would not clear the terrain, the pilot elected to make an emergency landing on the rough/uneven ground. During the initial touchdown, both main gear were torn from the wings. The aircraft came to rest about one mile from the departure end of the runway, at an altitude 150 to 200 feet higher than that of the runway surface. Based upon a field elevation of 6,820 feet MSL, and an outside air temperature of 11 degrees centigrade (52 degrees Fahrenheit) , the density altitude was determined to be approximately 7,400 feet. According to the graph in the Operator's Handbook, the rate of climb should have been about 250 feet per minute. According to the pilot, he checked the weight and balance prior to takeoff, but he did not calculate the expected rate of climb under the conditions. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N6121J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6121J-2013-06-07), registration cancelled 2013-06-07, S/N 28-7625220, built 1976 (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: 28-7625220 - Airframe hours: 2428 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Elwood W. Johnson - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, July 11, 1996, 56 hours before - Departed: RWL, WY - Destination: V40, RANGELY, CO - Flight plan: VFR - Airport: RWL, Rawlins Municipal Airport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 335 total, 317 in this make and model, 335 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 320° at 4 knots - Visibility: 20 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 52 °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 19970426006629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970426006629A), Apr 26, 1997: Piper PA28140, Rawlins, WY, Substantial damage. Aircraft not able to climb fast enough to clear rising terrain, struck ground off end of runway, sheared gear. 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.