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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

April 29, 1995 · Piper PA-22-150 · N2520P

Rice, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 29, 1995
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Rice, WA
Aircraft
Piper PA-22-150
Tail Number
N2520P
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA95LA090

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE PERFORMED A SHORT FIELD MANEUVER FROM HIS PRIVATE AIRSTRIP, WITH A NORMAL TAKEOFF ROLL AND WITH THE APPLICATION OF FULL FLAPS AT ROTATION, WHICH HE STATED WAS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AIRCRAFT MANUAL. HE WAS UNABLE TO CLIMB, AND MANEUVERED TO AVOID TREES AHEAD, AT OR NEAR STALL SPEED, AND THAT THE AIRCRAFT BEGAN STALLING SO HE AIMED THE AIRPLANE AT THE TERRAIN, WHERE IT FLIPPED OVER AFTER IMPACT. THE AIRCRAFT WAS LOADED WITH THREE PERSONS AND OVER 40 GALLONS OF FUEL.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER CLIMB RATE. A FACTOR WAS TREES IN THE FLIGHT PATH.

Full Narrative

On April 29, 1995, approximately 1200 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-22-150, N2520P, was substantially damaged when it nosed over following a forced landing after takeoff from an airstrip near Rice, Washington. The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries. No flight plan had been filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight, which was personal, was to have been operated under 14CFR91 and was local in nature, originating from the pilot's personal airstrip. The pilot reported that he planned a short field takeoff. The takeoff roll was normal, and he stated that he applied full flaps at the end of the takeoff run, in accordance with the Piper manual for the aircraft. In a telephone interview, he stated that at 40 feet above ground level, he felt he would be unable to clear trees which were located about 1200 feet beyond the upwind end of the 1800 foot turf runway and in his flight path. He stated that he executed a shallow left turn but was unable to achieve the desired climb rate. He reported that the aircraft was flying at or near stall speed and that he then intentionally lowered the nose and executed a power on descent to a forced landing, during which the aircraft nosed over. In a written statement, he said that at 30 feet altitude, severe downdrafts were encountered and he was unable to clear trees ahead as the climb continued. He initiated a shallow left turn while attempting to climb. He stated that wind shear continued to eliminate ascent; after turning 90 degrees it became apparent that his altitude was insufficient to clear trees. He started, at near stall speed, to turn left towards the north and the aircraft began stalling so he "aimed" the airplane at sand below with wings level, slowly directing the airplane into the ground, where it flipped upon impact. The pilot reported the winds as calm with an estimated temperature of 60 degrees F., and stated that there were no perceived problems with the aircraft's powerplant during the accident. He stated that "wind shear came out of nowhere and caused the plane to be unable to clear trees ahead."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-22-150
Tail NumberN2520P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 32 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data