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NTSB Report
February 20, 1991 · Piper PA-15 · N4518H
Cottage Grove, OR
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 20, 1991
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Cottage Grove, OR
Aircraft
Piper PA-15
Tail Number
N4518H
Operator
Leslie W Beaver
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA91FA054
SHORTLY AFTER TAKE OFF FROM AN UNCONTROLLED STRIP DURING DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS, THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN IN A VERTICAL, NOSE DOWN POSITION. DURING THE POST CRASH INSPECTION, THERE WERE NO NOTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE AIRPLANE OR ENGINE.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT DID NOT MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: A DARK NIGHT CONDITION AND AN UNCONTROLLED STALL/SPIN.
Full Narrative
SHORTLY AFTER TAKE OFF FROM AN UNCONTROLLED STRIP DURING DARK NIGHT CONDITIONS, THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN IN A VERTICAL, NOSE DOWN POSITION. DURING THE POST CRASH INSPECTION, THERE WERE NO NOTED MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE AIRPLANE OR ENGINE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:56 PST
Nearest AirportCottage Grove State (0nm N)
Runway33
Runway Length3200 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-15
Tail NumberN4518H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLeslie W Beaver
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-145-B2 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind140° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 7000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 48
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time04:50
Weather SourceWFAC