# NTSB SEA98LA015: Piper PA-22-150, N7528D, Newberg, OR, November 22, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 22, 1997, 10:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Newberg, OR
- Coordinates: 45.320991, -122.97908 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.3210&lon=-122.9791&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 10, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42737
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA98LA015
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42737/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA015

## Probable cause

The pilots failure to account for the increased drag on the runway during the preflight planning.  Factors were the long, wet grass.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - grass (contributing factor)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - wet (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

During takeoff from a turf runway with wet grass, the airplane became airborne but not soon enough to clear the trees at the end of the runway.  The pilot stated that he didn't fully evaluate the drag of the longer than usual wet grass.

## Factual narrative

On November 22, 1997, approximately 1030 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-22-150, N7528D, collided with terrain shortly after takeoff from a private airstrip near Newberg, OR.  The commercial pilot was seriously injured and his two passengers received minor injuries.  The airplane, which was owned by the pilot, received substantial damage.  The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was departing for an intended flight to Albany, OR.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed.

In the pilot's aircraft accident report, he stated "I don't fully evaluate the drag of longer then (sic) usual wet grass, and soft ground.  We got flying speed but not soon enough to clear trees at end of runway."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7528D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7528D-2017-06-07), registration cancelled 2017-06-07, S/N 22-5258, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-22-150
- Registry model: [Piper PA-22-150](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-150) (registry code 7102210) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-5258
- Airframe hours: 5075
- Engines: Lycoming O-320-D2A 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Earl L. Stonebrink
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 20, 1997, 3 hours before
- Departed: 17S
- Destination: S12, ALBANY, OR
- Airport: 17S, Chehalem Airpark

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 2,535 total, 11 in this make and model, 2,393 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 50 °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 19971122034259A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19971122034259A), Nov 22, 1997: Piper PA22150, Albany, OR, Substantial damage. Struck fence and trees on takeoff ended up in a creek.

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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