# NTSB ATL83FLG03: Piper PA-28R-200, N9327N, Cleveland, SC, December 24, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: December 24, 1982, 13:40 local (18:40 UTC)
- Place: Cleveland, SC
- Location: 35.0723° N, 82.5273° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Cleveland, SC, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0723&lon=-82.5273&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 24, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70281
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83FLG03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70281/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83FLG03

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - clouds (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rising (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED HE WAS VFR ON TOP OF A BROKEN CLOUD LAYER & DECIDED TO DESCEND THROUGH AN OPENING. AFTER DESCENDING CLEAR OF THE CLOUDS HE WAS IN A PASS WITH HILLS ON EACH SIDE & NOT ENOUGH ROOM TO TURN AROUND. HE CONTINUED NORTH ALONG THE HIGHWAY HOPING THE PASS WOULD WIDEN. AS THE HIGHWAY STARTED OVER A HILL THE ACFT ENTERED A CLOUD. THE PLT EXECUTED A STEEP TURN & HAD ALMOST COMPLETED THE 180 WHEN HE SAW THAT HE WAS GOING TO CRASH INTO THE TREES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9327N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9327N-2013-08-21), registration cancelled 2013-08-21, S/N 28R-35027, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-200
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-200) (registry code 7102811) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R35027
- Airframe hours: 2087
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1C 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Curtis Marsh
- Registered owner: Curtis Marsh
- Departed: C, SARASOTA, FL
- Destination: C, ASHEVILLE, NC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 164 total, 153 in this make and model, 139 as pilot in command, 44 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 900 ft broken
- 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 19821224066879A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821224066879A), Dec 24, 1982: Piper PA28R200, Cleveland, SC, Destroyed. Descended below cloud deck thru a hole. Came out in a valley with clouds on hills. Lost control turning. Hit trees.

## Other investigations on N9327N (1)

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.

- [NTSB MIA74FLD83](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA74FLD83), Apr 27, 1974: Piper PA-28R (N9327N), Sarasota, FL, substantial damage

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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