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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

November 9, 1993 · Piper PA-28-140 · N6776W

Fredericksburg, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 9, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fredericksburg, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N6776W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW94LA030

THE PILOT WAS FORCED BY LOW CEILINGS AND VISIBILITIES TO LAND IN A PASTURE 8 MILES FROM HIS INTENDED DESTINATION. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RECOVER THE AIRPLANE BACK TO THE AIRPORT ON THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE AIRPLANE CLEARED A FENCE AT THE END OF THE PASTURE, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO CLEAR THE TOP OF THE 20 TO 25 FOOT TALL TREES SURROUNDING THE PASTURE.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE PILOT'S UTILIZATION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR TAKEOFF.

Full Narrative

On November 9, 1993, at 1530 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-140, N6776W, was substantially damaged durimg initial takeoff climb from a pasture near Fredericksburg, Texas. The private pilot was not injured. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. No flight plan was filed. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the airplane made a precautionary landing on the open pasture on the previous day. The the pilot had been unable to land at the Gillespie County Airport, near Fredericksburg, Texas, due to low ceilings and visibilities. The purpose of the flight was to recover the airplane from the pasture and fly it to the Gillespie Airport, approximately 8 miles to the southeast. The pilot stated that the airplane cleared the fence at the end of the pasture, but was not able to clear the top of the trees. Trees surrounding the pasture were estimated to be 15 to 20 feet tall. Density altitude was calculated at 2700 feet. The pilot did not report any maintenance anomalies prior to the accident. The outboard half of both wings sustained structural damage and the fuselage was bent.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN6776W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 140
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind10°
Visibility1.5 sm
CeilingOvercast 600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 57
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:22

Appendix: Source Data