# NTSB ATL83LA280: Piper PA-28-140, N7511R, Viola, TN, July 17, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 17, 1983, 17:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Viola, TN
- Coordinates: 35.539539, -85.859962 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.5395&lon=-85.8600&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6130
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83LA280
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6130/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA280

## 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 - rain (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather evaluation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - vehicle (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS DAMAGED IN A COLLISION WITH FARM EQUIPMENT DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON A GRASS STRIP. THE STUDENT PILOT HAD RECEIVED A WEATHER BRIEFING BY TELEPHONE BUT HAD INADVERTANTLY ENCOUNTERED A RAIN SHOWER. BECAUSE OF THE RAIN THE STUDENT ELECTED TO LAND. DURING THE LANDING THE ACFT STRUCK SOME FARM EQUIPMENT AND WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7511R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7511R-2018-02-20), registration cancelled 2018-02-20, S/N 28-22068, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-22068
- Airframe hours: 3834
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-L2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Forrest L. Sain
- Last inspection: Annual, January 8, 1983, 35 hours before
- Departed: MCMINNVILLE, TN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 68; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 23 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 250° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CHA

## 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 19830717033119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830717033119A), Jul 17, 1983: Piper PA28140, Viola, TN, Substantial damage. Student encountered heavy rain on local flight. Struck farm machinery on precautionary landing in a farm field.

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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