# NTSB ATL83LA276: Piper L-21B, N8056W, Vernon, AL, July 4, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 4, 1983, 16:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Vernon, AL
- Coordinates: 33.75077, -88.110542 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.7508&lon=-88.1105&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6127
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83LA276
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6127/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA276

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - stolen aircraft/unauthorized use - intentional, unqualified person (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, unqualified person (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, unqualified person
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

THE ACFT DEPARTED THE RWY & NOSED OVER INVERTED DURING AN UNAUTHORIZED FLIGHT. AFTER THE ACCIDENT THE NON-CERTIFICATED PLT TOLD THE OWNER THAT HE HAD FLOWN THE ACFT SEVERAL TIMES BASED ON THE PERMISSION OF A FRIEND WHO WAS AUTHORIZED TO FLY THE ACFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8056W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8056W), registered now, S/N 53-7776 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER L-21B
- Registry model: [Piper L-21B](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-l-21b) (registry code 7101815) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 53-7776
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-D2 135 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Lamar County Civil Defense
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: M55, Lamar County, runway 16, 3,600 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 21; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F

## 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 19830704033129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830704033129A), Jul 4, 1983: Piper L21B, Vernon, AL, Substantial damage. Aircraft left runway and flipped inverted during attempted takeoff by unauthorized user.

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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