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NTSB Report
September 26, 1989 · Piper PA-32-260 · N3660W
Portland, OR
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 26, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Portland, OR
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N3660W
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA89LA178
AT THE END OF A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT, APPROACHING THE AIRPORT, THE PILOT WAS CLEARED TO LAND AND CAUTIONED OF WAKE TURBULENCE FROM A LARGE AIRPLANE LANDING AHEAD OF THE ACCIDENT AIRPLANE. THE PILOT WAS INSTRUCTED TO KEEP A TIGHT PATTERN AND FOLLOW THE LARGE AIRPLANE. WHILE ON SHORT FINAL THE ACCIDENT AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED THE WAKE TURBULENCE OF THE LARGE AIRPLANE. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN SHORT OF THE RUNWAY.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE WAKE TURBULENCE AND REMEDIAL ACTION NOT POSSIBLE.
Full Narrative
AT THE END OF A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT, APPROACHING THE AIRPORT, THE PILOT WAS CLEARED TO LAND AND CAUTIONED OF WAKE TURBULENCE FROM A LARGE AIRPLANE LANDING AHEAD OF THE ACCIDENT AIRPLANE. THE PILOT WAS INSTRUCTED TO KEEP A TIGHT PATTERN AND FOLLOW THE LARGE AIRPLANE. WHILE ON SHORT FINAL THE ACCIDENT AIRPLANE ENCOUNTERED THE WAKE TURBULENCE OF THE LARGE AIRPLANE. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL AND COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN SHORT OF THE RUNWAY.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:21 PDT
Nearest AirportPORTLAND (0nm N)
Runway28R
Runway Length8004 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN3660W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 45 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 4 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingOvercast 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 57
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:50
Weather SourceWFAC