# NTSB ATL85LA257: Piper PA-30, N7369Y, Portland, TN, August 24, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 24, 1985, 12:45 local (16:45 UTC)
- Place: Portland, TN
- Coordinates: 36.579139, -86.509597 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.5791&lon=-86.5096&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6861
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85LA257
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6861/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85LA257

## 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)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - landed at wrong airport - attempted, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - go-around - attempted, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT MADE A VISUAL APRCH TO THE WRONG AIRPORT & ATTEMPTED TO GO-AROUND. DURING THE GO-AROUND THE ACFT COLL IDED WITH TREES ON THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RWY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7369Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7369Y-2013-10-24), registration cancelled 2013-10-24, S/N 30-420, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-30
- Registry model: [Piper PA-30](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-30) (registry code 7103002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-320-series) (registry code 41509, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 30-420
- Airframe hours: 3000
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-320 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Harold N. Brooks
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 27, 1985, 7 hours before
- Destination: AHN, ATHENS, GA
- Airport: IM5, Portland Muni, runway 19, 4,000 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 12,000 total, 200 in this make and model, 12,000 as pilot in command, 120 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BNA, 32 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 19850824067679A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850824067679A), Aug 24, 1985: Piper PA30, Portland, TN, Substantial damage. Lost partial power on left engine shortly after liftoff. Drifted off left side of runway into a ravine.

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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