# NTSB ATL82FKJ11: Piper PA-32, N31937, Muscle Shoals, AL, January 22, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: January 21, 1982, 23:56 local (Jan 22, 1982, 05:56 UTC)
- Place: Muscle Shoals, AL
- Coordinates: 34.74971, -87.700271 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7497&lon=-87.7003&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 21, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71803
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL82FKJ11
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71803/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL82FKJ11

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - ifr procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

DURING THE APPROACH THE PILOT STATED THAT HE COULD NOT EXTEND THE LANDING GEAR. AT SOME POINT DURING THE APPROACH THE AIRCRAFT BROKE OUT INTO VFR CONDITIONS. THE PILOT STATED HE HAD THE AIRPORT IN SIGHT WHEN THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A 160,000 VOLT POWER LINE. DURING THE CRASH SEQUENCE THE LEFT MAIN GEAR WAS BROKEN OFF THEREBY MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SUBSTANTIATE ANY PRIOR MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N31937](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N31937-2012-11-06), registration cancelled 2012-11-06, S/N 32R-7887016, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32RT-300T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32rt-300t) (registry code 7103216) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-7887016
- Airframe hours: 960
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-51AD 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John C. Riddle
- Registered owner: Dynamic Security Inc.
- Departed: MSL, BERMINGHAM, AL
- Destination: BHM, MUSCLE SHOALS, AL
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: MSL, Muscle Shoals, runway 29, 6,693 × 0 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: unknown, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 626 total, 203 in this make and model, 550 as pilot in command, 29 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 60° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 400 ft overcast
- Temperature: 127 °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 19820121001659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820121001659A), Jan 21, 1982: Piper PA32RT300T, Muscle Shoals, AL, Substantial damage. Pilot claimed gear problems during approach. Aircraft hit powerline. Gear problem could not be substantiated.

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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