# NTSB ATL85LA038: Piper PA-28-180, N9360J, Luray Caverns, VA, November 17, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 17, 1984, 16:15 local (21:15 UTC)
- Place: Luray Caverns, VA
- Coordinates: 38.660854, -78.449195 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.6609&lon=-78.4492&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6712
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85LA038
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6712/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85LA038

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - supervision - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - mixture - improper use of, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - emergency procedure - simulated, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS LANDED ON A INADEQUATE FIELD DURING A SIMULATED FORCED LANDING THAT BECAME A REAL EMERGENCY BECAUSE THE FLTINSTRUCTOR CUT THE MIXTURE TO OFF. THE CFI TOOK OVER THE LANDING AT THE LAST PART OF THE APPROACH AND TOLD THE STUDENT TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE STUDENT LOST TIME TRYING TO RESTART WITH THE MIXTURE OFF. WHEN HE DISCOVERED THE MIXTURE OFF AND CORRECTED IT THEY WERE ON THE GROUND. NO DAMAGE WAS DONE UNTIL A TAKEOFF WAS ATTEMPTED AND A FENCE WAS STRUCK. THE PLT SAID THAT THE FIELD WAS ROUGH AND SLOWED THEIR ACCELERATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9360J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9360J-2013-05-22), registration cancelled 2013-05-22, S/N 28-3459, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-3459
- Airframe hours: 2648
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Moseley, Elmo
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NEW MARKET, VA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 798 total, 358 in this make and model, 15 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 16 °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 19841117062479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841117062479A), Nov 17, 1984: Piper PA28180, Luray Caverns, VA, Substantial damage. CFI gave engine out with idle cut off. Student slow to restart. Landed rough area. Struck fence trying depart 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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