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NTSB Report
July 23, 1991 · Piper PA-32R-300 · N75173
Boone, NC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 23, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Boone, NC
Aircraft
Piper PA-32R-300
Tail Number
N75173
Operator
Abshire David L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL91LA140
THE PRIVATE PILOT WAS PLANNING A FLIGHT FROM AN AIRSTRIP LOCATED IN A MOUNTAINOUS RESORT AREA. HE COMPUTED THE DENSITY ALTITUDE (D.A.) TO BE 5,800 FEET, AND THE TAKEOFF GROSS WEIGHT WAS 95 POUNDS UNDER MAX GROSS TAKEOFF WEIGHT. AFTER TAKEOFF, CLIMB CAPABILITY STAGNATED AND THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO CLEAR PINE TREES LOCATED PAST THE DEPARTURE END, HE ATTEMPTED TO FLY AROUND THEM. THE AIRPLANE STALLED, COLLIDED WITH PINE TREES, AND THEN CRASHED ONTO GOLF COURSE. THE PILOT HAD NO EXPERIENCE FLYING INTO OR OUT OF HIGH ATLITUDE AIRPORTS. WHEN ASKED IF HE HAD LEANED THE MIXTURE FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE UNDER HIGH D.A. CONDITIONS, HE SAID THAT HE WAS UNAWARE OF SUCH A PROCEDURE. THE PILOT PLANNED FOR A BEST CLIMB SPEED OF 70 KTS; HOWEVER, THE OPERATING HANDBOOK RECOMMENDED 87 KNOTS WHEN OBSTACLE CLEARANCE WAS A FACTOR.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER'S PROCEDURES RELATED TO TAKEOFF PERFORMANCE. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE, THE HIGH OBSTRUCTIONS, AND THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPEREINCE WITH TAKEOFF OPERATIONS AT HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE.
Full Narrative
THE PRIVATE PILOT WAS PLANNING A FLIGHT FROM AN AIRSTRIP LOCATED IN A MOUNTAINOUS RESORT AREA. HE COMPUTED THE DENSITY ALTITUDE (D.A.) TO BE 5,800 FEET, AND THE TAKEOFF GROSS WEIGHT WAS 95 POUNDS UNDER MAX GROSS TAKEOFF WEIGHT. AFTER TAKEOFF, CLIMB CAPABILITY STAGNATED AND THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO CLEAR PINE TREES LOCATED PAST THE DEPARTURE END, HE ATTEMPTED TO FLY AROUND THEM. THE AIRPLANE STALLED, COLLIDED WITH PINE TREES, AND THEN CRASHED ONTO GOLF COURSE. THE PILOT HAD NO EXPERIENCE FLYING INTO OR OUT OF HIGH ATLITUDE AIRPORTS. WHEN ASKED IF HE HAD LEANED THE MIXTURE FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE UNDER HIGH D.A. CONDITIONS, HE SAID THAT HE WAS UNAWARE OF SUCH A PROCEDURE. THE PILOT PLANNED FOR A BEST CLIMB SPEED OF 70 KTS; HOWEVER, THE OPERATING HANDBOOK RECOMMENDED 87 KNOTS WHEN OBSTACLE CLEARANCE WAS A FACTOR.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:15 EDT
Nearest AirportBOONE (1nm NW)
Runway31
Runway Length2700 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32R-300
Tail NumberN75173
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAbshire David L
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1A5D · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility6 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time14:10
Weather SourceWFAC