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NTSB Report
April 25, 1985 · Piper PA-28-140 · N511FL
Felton, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 25, 1985
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Felton, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140
Tail Number
N511FL
Operator
John E Fruits
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX85LA222
DURING THE PREFLIGHT OF THE ACFT, THE PLT SAID HE OBSERVED THE WIND CONDITIONS AT THE AIRPORT AS FROM THE NORTH AT ABOUT '5 TO 10 KTS, WHICH INDICATED A LEFT CROSSWIND. THE AIRPORT IS IMMEDIATELY SURROUNDED BY PINE TREES WHICH AVERAGE ABOUT 60 FT IN HEIGHT. PLT SAID THAT HE WAS CLIMBING AT ABOUT '80 MPH' FOLLOWING A NORMAL SHORTFIELD TAKEOFF WHEN THE ACFT ENCOUNTERED A 'VIOLENT DOWN DRAFT' AT ABOUT 100 FT AGL. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, THE DOWNDEAFT ROLLED THE ACFT TO A 90 DEGREE LEFT WING DOWN ATTITUDE AND HE COULD NOT REGAIN CONTROL PRIOR TO CONTACTING TREES OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. GROUND WITNESSES ON THE AIRPORT SAID THAT THE WINGS ON THE AIRPORT PROPER WERE 'ALMOST CALM', HOWEVER AT THE TREE TOP LEVEL WERE FROM THE LEFT AT '10 KTS WITH GUST TO 15 KTS.
Full Narrative
DURING THE PREFLIGHT OF THE ACFT, THE PLT SAID HE OBSERVED THE WIND CONDITIONS AT THE AIRPORT AS FROM THE NORTH AT ABOUT '5 TO 10 KTS, WHICH INDICATED A LEFT CROSSWIND. THE AIRPORT IS IMMEDIATELY SURROUNDED BY PINE TREES WHICH AVERAGE ABOUT 60 FT IN HEIGHT. PLT SAID THAT HE WAS CLIMBING AT ABOUT '80 MPH' FOLLOWING A NORMAL SHORTFIELD TAKEOFF WHEN THE ACFT ENCOUNTERED A 'VIOLENT DOWN DRAFT' AT ABOUT 100 FT AGL. ACCORDING TO THE PLT, THE DOWNDEAFT ROLLED THE ACFT TO A 90 DEGREE LEFT WING DOWN ATTITUDE AND HE COULD NOT REGAIN CONTROL PRIOR TO CONTACTING TREES OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY. GROUND WITNESSES ON THE AIRPORT SAID THAT THE WINGS ON THE AIRPORT PROPER WERE 'ALMOST CALM', HOWEVER AT THE TREE TOP LEVEL WERE FROM THE LEFT AT '10 KTS WITH GUST TO 15 KTS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:25 PST
Nearest AirportBonnydune (0nm N)
Runway11
Runway Length2400 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN511FL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn E Fruits
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 65 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 10 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time11:30
Weather SourcePILO