# NTSB ATL84FA083: Piper PA-32RT-300, N31844, Attalla, AL, January 16, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: January 15, 1984, 19:30 local (Jan 16, 1984, 01:30 UTC)
- Place: Attalla, AL
- Coordinates: 34.010227, -86.100418 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.0102&lon=-86.1004&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6247
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL84FA083
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6247/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84FA083

## 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 - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - ifr procedure - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total instrument time, pilot in command (cause)
  - minimum descent altitude - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

DURING A VOR APPROACH TO LAND IN IMC WX, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A TREE. THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PLT HAD FILED AN IFR FLT PLAN ON THIS AND OTHER OCCASIONS EVEN THOUGH HE WAS NOT QUALIFIED. DURING THIS APPROACH, THE DESCENT WAS CONTINUED PAST THE MDA OF 960 FT. FIELD ELEVATION WAS 569 FT. NO MALFUNCTIONS OF EQUIPMENT OR PHYSICAL DISCREPANCIES WERE FOUND DURING THE INVESTIGATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N31844](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N31844-2013-06-18), registration cancelled 2013-06-18, S/N 32R-7885132, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32RT-300 (PA-32RT-30)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32RT-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32rt-300) (registry code 7103215) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32RT7885132
- Airframe hours: 996
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K165D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Enterprise Industrial Sales
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 14, 1983, 81 hours before
- Departed: FORT MYERS, FL
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 4,216 total, 65 in the last 90 days, 21 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Lowest ceiling: 100 ft
- Temperature: 36 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GAD, 1 nm away

## 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 19840115001409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840115001409A), Jan 15, 1984: Piper PA32RT300, Attalla, AL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Descended too low on approach. Struck trees and the ground. Pilot not instrument rated. No ELT on board.

## Other investigations on N31844 (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 CHI82DA256](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI82DA256), Jul 17, 1982: Piper PA-32RT (N31844), Mackinac, MI, 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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