# NTSB ATL85LA062: Piper PA28-151, N32029, Tuxedo, NC, December 21, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 21, 1984, 14:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Tuxedo, NC
- Location: 35.2254° N, 82.4296° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Tuxedo, NC, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2254&lon=-82.4296&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6724
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85LA062
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6724/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85LA062

## 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 - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight into known adverse weather - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - high terrain (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE RECENTLY CERTIFIED PRIVATE PLT WAS UNDER A VFR FLT PLAN AND CONTINUED THE FLT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WX CONDITIONS. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MANEUVER THE ACFT OUT OF THE LOW CEILING, IT WAS FLOWN INTO THE HIGH TERRAIN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N32029 (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA28-151
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7515047
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Augusta Aviation, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: DNL, AUGUSTA, GA
- Destination: AVL, ASHEVILLE, NC
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 48 total, 2 in this make and model, 24 as pilot in command, 32 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: AVL, 15 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 19841221067679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841221067679A), Dec 21, 1984: Piper PA28151, Tuxedo, NC, Substantial damage. VFR pilot flew into area of IFR conditions, struck trees and terrain attempting climbing 180 degree turn.

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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