# NTSB ATL84LA041: Piper PA-32R-300, N1750H, Columbia, SC, November 7, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 7, 1983, 11:42 local (16:42 UTC)
- Place: Columbia, SC
- Coordinates: 33.990676, -81.079818 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.9907&lon=-81.0798&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6384
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL84LA041
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6384/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84LA041

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - electrical system,alternator - failure,total (cause)
  - electrical system,battery - low level
  - electrical system - inoperative
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - gear extension - initiated, pilot in command
  - gear down and locked - not attained

## Analysis

WHILE EN ROUTE, THE ACFT'S AMMETER WENT TO A ZERO READING, AND SUBSEQUENTLY, A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE OCCURRED. PRIOR TO LANDING, THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO LOWER THE LANDING GEAR BY LETTING IT FREEFALL, IN ACCORDANCE WITH RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES. THE GEAR WARNING HORN & GEAR INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. DURING THE LANDING, THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR COLLAPSED & THE ACFT WAS DAMAGED. AN EXAM REVEALED THAT THE ALTERNATOR DRIVE BELT HAD FAILED & THE ACFT BATTERY HAD BECOME DISCHARGED. WITH AN EXTERNAL POWER SOURCE CONECTED, THE LANDING GEAR & INDICATORS FUNCTINED PROPERLY WHEN CHECKED ON THE GROUND.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1750H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1750H), registered now, S/N 32R-7780189, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-300
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32R-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32r-300) (registry code 7103213) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-7780189
- Airframe hours: 1831
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1G5D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 135
- Registered owner: William M. Muller
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 27, 1983, 40 hours before
- Departed: ATL, ATLANTA, GA
- Destination: CAE, COLUMBIA, SC
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: CAE, Columbia Metro Airport, runway 11, 7,551 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 762 total, 17 in this make and model, 625 as pilot in command, 42 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CAE

## 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 19831107056689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831107056689A), Nov 7, 1983: Piper PA32R300, Columbia, SC, Substantial damage. Gear collapsed during landing. Battery discharged because alternator drive belt was broken.

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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