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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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April 14, 1989 · Piper PA-28-180 · N8272W

Milbank, SD

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 14, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Milbank, SD
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N8272W
Operator
Spiering Eugene
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN89LA108

THE PLT RPRTD THE ACFT SEEMED TO FUNCTION NORMALLY DRG THE TAKEOFF ROLL; HOWEVER, AFTER LIFT-OFF, IT WOULD NOT CLIMB ABOVE GROUND EFFECT. HE SAID IT JUST CLEARED LOW TREES APRX 300 TO 400 FT FROM THE END OF THE RWY, THEN IT STALLED INTO A FENCE. NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND. BEFORE THE FLT, THE TEMP WAS SLIGHTLY BELOW FREEZING &THERE WAS FROST ON THE ACFT. A MECHANIC STATED THE FROST WAS WIPED OFF THE WINGS & TAIL BEFORE THE FLT. BEYOND THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY, THE TERRAIN WAS NOT SUITABLE FOR AN ABORTED TAKEOFF. ALSO, THE PLT RPRTD THAT THE FENCE 'SAVED THE DAY' AS THERE WERE SIGNIFICANT OBSTRUCTIONS BEYOND THE FENCE.

NTSB Probable Cause

FAILURE BY THE PILOT TO ASSURE ADEQUATE REMOVAL OF FROST FROM THE AIRCRAFT WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL/MUSH.

Full Narrative

THE PLT RPRTD THE ACFT SEEMED TO FUNCTION NORMALLY DRG THE TAKEOFF ROLL; HOWEVER, AFTER LIFT-OFF, IT WOULD NOT CLIMB ABOVE GROUND EFFECT. HE SAID IT JUST CLEARED LOW TREES APRX 300 TO 400 FT FROM THE END OF THE RWY, THEN IT STALLED INTO A FENCE. NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS FOUND. BEFORE THE FLT, THE TEMP WAS SLIGHTLY BELOW FREEZING &THERE WAS FROST ON THE ACFT. A MECHANIC STATED THE FROST WAS WIPED OFF THE WINGS & TAIL BEFORE THE FLT. BEYOND THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RUNWAY, THE TERRAIN WAS NOT SUITABLE FOR AN ABORTED TAKEOFF. ALSO, THE PLT RPRTD THAT THE FENCE 'SAVED THE DAY' AS THERE WERE SIGNIFICANT OBSTRUCTIONS BEYOND THE FENCE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:52 CDT
Nearest AirportPrivate Strip (0nm N)
Runway36
Runway Length1700 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN8272W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSpiering Eugene
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A3A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 7 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time12:46
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data