On October 19, 1991, a Piper PA28-140 (registration N38713) operated by Aretz Flying Service Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Lafayette, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO COMPENSATE FOR WIND CONDITIONS DURING INITIAL CLIMB. FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCIDENT ARE CROSSWIND CONDITIONS AND A DARK NIGHT LIGHT CONDITION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane was seen taxiing in early darkness, then found destroyed the next morning in a field 500 feet east of the airport. A witness reported very strong crosswinds; winds at a nearby station were 20 knots gusting to 25, 80 degrees left of the departure runway heading. The airplane struck a tree 400 feet right of the extended centerline at about 75 feet above ground level.
The Accident
During the early hours of darkness, the accident airplane was observed taxiing toward the runway. No flight plan was on file. The next morning, the destroyed airplane was discovered in a field located 500 feet east of the airport property.
Witness and Weather Conditions
A pilot of another airplane departing from the airport around the same time described very strong crosswinds. At the nearest reporting station, the observed winds were 80 degrees to the left of the departure runway heading under overcast skies. The measured velocity was 20 knots, gusting to 25 knots.
Wreckage and Impact
The airplane struck a tree 400 feet to the right of the extended centerline of the departure runway. The impact point was approximately 75 feet above ground level. The wreckage was found the following morning in the field east of the airport.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 Oct 1991 Piper PA28-140 accident near Lafayette, IN?
An airplane was seen taxiing in early darkness, then found destroyed the next morning in a field 500 feet east of the airport. A witness reported very strong crosswinds; winds at a nearby station were 20 knots gusting to 25, 80 degrees left of the departure runway heading. The airplane struck a tree 400 feet right of…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Oct 1991 involved a Piper PA28-140, registration N38713, operated by Aretz Flying Service Inc, at Lafayette, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO COMPENSATE FOR WIND CONDITIONS DURING INITIAL CLIMB. FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCIDENT ARE CROSSWIND CONDITIONS AND A DARK NIGHT LIGHT CONDITION.
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