# NTSB ATL84LA071: Piper PA-32-260, N5685V, Indian Head, MD, December 21, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 21, 1983, 18:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Indian Head, MD
- Coordinates: 38.590759, -77.1492 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5908&lon=-77.1492&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6400
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL84LA071
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6400/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL84LA071

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr)
  - weather condition - icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather evaluation - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, go-around (vfr)

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER DEPARTING DCA, HE ENCOUNTERED A SMALL AMOUNT OF RAIN THAT FROZE ON THE AIRCRAFT'S WINDSHIELD. HE CONTINUED ON TO HIS DESTINATION AND AGAIN ENCOUNTER FREEZING RAIN WHEN TURNING FROM BASE TO FINAL. HE ELECTED TO MAKE A GO-AROUND BUT STRUCK TREES. THE ACFT CAME TO REST 400 FT FROM THE APPROACH END OF RWY 35, 205 FT LEFT OF CENTERLINE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5685V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5685V-1984-12-27), registration cancelled 1984-12-27, S/N 32-7700017 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-260
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-7700017
- Airframe hours: 321
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William F. Stone
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, December 5, 1983
- Departed: DCA, WASHINGTON, DC
- Airport: 2W5, Maryland, runway 35, 3,002 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,003 total, 210 in this make and model, 1,003 as pilot in command, 83 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 10° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,200 ft overcast
- Temperature: 32 °F, dew point 23 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DCA

## 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 19831221063049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831221063049A), Dec 21, 1983: Piper PA32260, Indian Head, MD, Substantial damage. Flew through freezing rain departing dca and again on approach to 2W5. Elected go around. Hit trees. Ice on airfram

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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