# NTSB ATL82DA125: Piper PA-38-112, N900AA, Jonesboro, TN, May 5, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: May 5, 1982, 16:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Jonesboro, TN
- Coordinates: 36.289253, -82.469642 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2893&lon=-82.4696&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71204
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL82DA125
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71204/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL82DA125

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)
  - wrong runway - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - fence (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER UTILIZING THE SOUTHWEST RUNWAY FOR TAKEOFF AND LANDING THE PILOT NOTED THAT THE LIMP WINDSOCK HAD SHIFTED TO INDICATE USE OF THE NORTHEAST RUNWAY. THE NEXT TAKEOFF WAS THEREFORE MADE TO THE NORTHEAST, WITH AN UPHILL GRADIENT TO THE RUNWAY. AFTER A SLOWER THAN NORMAL ACCELERATION THE AIRCRAFT FINALLY BECAME AIRBORNE WHEN IT PASSED OVER A RISE IN THE RUNWAY. IN AN ATTEMPT TO INCREASE AIRSPEED THE PILOT LOWERED THE NOSE. THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED IN GROUND EFFECT UNTIL IT STRUCK A BARBED WIRE FENCE AND YAWED OUT OF CONTROL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N900AA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N900AA-1983-10-26), registration cancelled 1983-10-26, S/N 38-78A0171, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-38-112
- Registry model: [Piper PA-38-112](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-38-112) (registry code 7103812) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 38-78A0171
- Airframe hours: 1290
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Appalachian Flying Service
- Registered owner: Appalachian Flying Service
- Departed: TRI, BRISTOL, TN
- Destination: TRI, BRISTOL, TN
- Airport: Decker Farm

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 651 total, 10 in this make and model, 517 as pilot in command, 163 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 174 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TRI, 15 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19820505013989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820505013989A), May 5, 1982: Piper PA38112, Jonesboro, TN, Substantial damage. Unable to leave ground effect on takeoff. Struck 2 fences off end of runway. Uphill gradient, shifting winds.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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