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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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NTSB Report

October 7, 1989 · Piper PA-28-180 · N9704J

Ann Arbor, MI

Overview

Report Status

Probable Cause

Event Type

Accident

Date

October 7, 1989

Injury Outcomes

3 injuries (3 fatalities)

Location

Ann Arbor, MI

Aircraft

Piper PA-28-180

Tail Number

N9704J

Injuries

Fatal

Aircraft Damage

Destroyed

NTSB Number

CHI90FA003

ACCORDING TO WITNESSES, THE ACFT WAS IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN ON A TURN FROM DOWNWIND TO BASE, WHEN IT SUDDENLY DESCENDED INTO THE GROUND & CRASHED. NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE ACFT OR ENG WAS FOUND. AN EXAM OF THE STALL WARNING LIGHT BULB REVEALED THE FILAMENT HAD STRETCHED.

NTSB Probable Cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN THE AIRCRAFT.

Full Narrative

ACCORDING TO WITNESSES, THE ACFT WAS IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN ON A TURN FROM DOWNWIND TO BASE, WHEN IT SUDDENLY DESCENDED INTO THE GROUND & CRASHED. NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION OF THE ACFT OR ENG WAS FOUND. AN EXAM OF THE STALL WARNING LIGHT BULB REVEALED THE FILAMENT HAD STRETCHED.

Flight

Event TypeAccident

Event Time12:01 EDT

Nearest AirportANNARBOR (0nm N)

Runway24

Runway Length3500 ft

Runway Width75 ft

Flight Plan FiledNone

Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180

Tail NumberN9704J

Aircraft CategoryAir

DamageDestroyed

Operating RulePart 91

Engines1

Engine TypeReciprocating

Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4A · Reciprocating · 180

Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 fatalities)

Fatal3

Serious0

Minor0

Uninjured0

Total3

Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC

LightDaylight

Wind300° @ 8 kt

Visibility20 sm

CeilingOvercast 3000 ft

Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C

Altimeter30.00 inHg

Observation Time16:04

Weather SourceWFAC

500 – Data service is offline

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October 7, 1989 · Piper PA-28-180 · N9704J

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