# NTSB ATL82FA278: Piper PA-28R-201, N39685, Alma, GA, September 10, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: September 10, 1982, 11:31 local (15:31 UTC)
- Place: Alma, GA
- Coordinates: 31.540403, -82.469001 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.5404&lon=-82.4690&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 10, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69748
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL82FA278
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69748/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL82FA278

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - continued, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, cruise - normal
  - aircraft handling - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total instrument time, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, descent - uncontrolled
  - design stress limits of aircraft - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
  - wing - overload
  - wing - failure,total
  - wing - separation
  - flight control,stabilator - overload
  - flight control,stabilator - failure,total
  - flight control,stabilator - separation
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING HIS WX BRIEFING AT 0731 THE PLT WAS ADVISED THAT VFR FLT WAS NOT RECOMMENDED. THE ACFT CRASHED IN A CORNFIELD AFTER AN INFLIGHT SEPARATION OF THE STABILATORS & WINGS. LOCAL RESIDENTS RECALLED THAT THE RAIN SHOWERS WERE RATHER HEAVY AT TIMES ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N39685](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N39685-2017-08-29), registration cancelled 2017-08-29, S/N 28R-7837306, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-201
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-201](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-201) (registry code 7102816) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R-7837306
- Airframe hours: 1478
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1C6 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Roy Dordick
- Registered owner: Roy Dordick
- Departed: C, OCALA, FL
- Destination: C, ALBANY, NY
- Airport: Alma

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 850 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 600 ft broken
- Temperature: 167 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19820910070479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820910070479A), Sep 10, 1982: Piper PA28R201, Alma, GA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Proceeded into area of IMC. Lost control. Aircraft broke up in flight. Pilot was advised VFR flight not recommended.

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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