# NTSB ATL83LA065: Piper PA-28-180, N7243W, Midland, VA, December 14, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 14, 1982, 16:30 local (21:30 UTC)
- Place: Midland, VA
- Coordinates: 38.589927, -77.719268 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5899&lon=-77.7193&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 14, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71696
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83LA065
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71696/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA065

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - misjudged, dual student (cause)
  - supervision - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - snowbank (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT AND FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (CFI) WERE ON AN INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT FOR A BIENNIAL FLIGHT REVIEW. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DURING THE LANDING, THE SUN WAS IN HIS EYES. HE STATED THAT ON FINAL APPROACH, THE AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT AND STRUCK A THREE-FOOT SNOWBANK. THE SNOWBANK WAS LOCATED ON THE END OF THE RUNWAY BETWEEN THE THRESHOLD LIGHTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7243W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7243W), registered now, S/N 28-1066, built 1963 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (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: 281066
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A3A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: John E. Wise, Jr.
- Registered owner: John E. Wise, Jr.
- Departed: N66, MIDLAND, VA
- Destination: N66, MIDLAND, VA
- Airport: W66, Warrenton-Fauquier, runway 24, 2,090 × 40 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 225 total, 200 in this make and model, 3 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 86 °F

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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