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NTSB Report
October 19, 1991 · Piper PA28-140 · N38713
Lafayette, IN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 19, 1991
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Location
Lafayette, IN
Aircraft
Piper PA28-140
Tail Number
N38713
Operator
Aretz Flying Service
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI92FA013
THE ACCIDENT AIRPLANE WAS SEEN TO TAXI TOWARD THE RUNWAY DURING THE EARLY HOURS OF DARKNESS. THE DESTROYED AIRPLANE WAS DISCOVERED THE NEXT MORNING IN A FIELD 500 FEET EAST OF THE AIRPORT PROPERTY. NO FLIGHT PLAN WAS ON FILE. THE PILOT OF ANOTHER AIRPLANE DEPARTING FROM THE AIRPORT ABOUT THE SAME TIME DESCRIBED VERY STRONG CROSSWINDS. THE OBSERVED WINDS AT THE NEAREST REPORTING STATION WERE 80 DEGREES TO THE LEFT OF THE DEPARTURE RUNWAY HEADING UNDER OVERCAST SKIES. THE MEASURED VELOCITY WAS 20 KNOTS GUSTING TO 25. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A TREE 400 FEET RIGHT OF THE EXTENDED CENTERLINE OF THE DEPARTURE RUNWAY ABOUT 75 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO COMPENSATE FOR WIND CONDITIONS DURING INITIAL CLIMB. FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCIDENT ARE CROSSWIND CONDITIONS AND A DARK NIGHT LIGHT CONDITION.
Full Narrative
THE ACCIDENT AIRPLANE WAS SEEN TO TAXI TOWARD THE RUNWAY DURING THE EARLY HOURS OF DARKNESS. THE DESTROYED AIRPLANE WAS DISCOVERED THE NEXT MORNING IN A FIELD 500 FEET EAST OF THE AIRPORT PROPERTY. NO FLIGHT PLAN WAS ON FILE. THE PILOT OF ANOTHER AIRPLANE DEPARTING FROM THE AIRPORT ABOUT THE SAME TIME DESCRIBED VERY STRONG CROSSWINDS. THE OBSERVED WINDS AT THE NEAREST REPORTING STATION WERE 80 DEGREES TO THE LEFT OF THE DEPARTURE RUNWAY HEADING UNDER OVERCAST SKIES. THE MEASURED VELOCITY WAS 20 KNOTS GUSTING TO 25. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A TREE 400 FEET RIGHT OF THE EXTENDED CENTERLINE OF THE DEPARTURE RUNWAY ABOUT 75 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:00 EDT
Nearest AirportARETZ (1nm E)
Runway7
Runway Length2834 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA28-140
Tail NumberN38713
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorAretz Flying Service
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 fatalities)
Fatal2
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind350° @ 20 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingOvercast 7500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:45
Weather SourceWFAC