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NTSB Report
April 20, 1985 · Piper PA 38-112 · N2403N
Prescott, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 20, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Prescott, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA 38-112
Tail Number
N2403N
Operator
James B Williams
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX85LA219
THE ACFT DEPARTED RWY 21. THE REPORTED SURFACE WINDS WERE 190 DEGS AT 12 KTS GUSTING TO 29 KTS. THE ACFT WAS CLIMBING AT 200 FPM UNTIL REACHING 800 FT AGL. THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE CONSIDERED THE CLIMB RATE AS BEING TOO SLOW AND ELECTED TO NEGOTIATE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING IN A SAGE BRUSH COVERED FIELD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE LEFT WING STRUCK A SECTION OF OLD FENCE POST WHICH WAS COVERED BY THE SAGE BRUSH. THE AIRPORT IS SURROUNDED BY MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN AND IS SUBJECT TO EXTENSIVE DOWNDRAFTS. THE CALCULATED DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS 6200 FT.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT DEPARTED RWY 21. THE REPORTED SURFACE WINDS WERE 190 DEGS AT 12 KTS GUSTING TO 29 KTS. THE ACFT WAS CLIMBING AT 200 FPM UNTIL REACHING 800 FT AGL. THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE CONSIDERED THE CLIMB RATE AS BEING TOO SLOW AND ELECTED TO NEGOTIATE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING IN A SAGE BRUSH COVERED FIELD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE LEFT WING STRUCK A SECTION OF OLD FENCE POST WHICH WAS COVERED BY THE SAGE BRUSH. THE AIRPORT IS SURROUNDED BY MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN AND IS SUBJECT TO EXTENSIVE DOWNDRAFTS. THE CALCULATED DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS 6200 FT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 MST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA 38-112
Tail NumberN2403N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames B Williams
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 112
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 12 kt, gusting 29 kt
Visibility65 sm
CeilingOvercast 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC