# NTSB ATL86FA028: Piper PA-32-301, N8470X, Robbinsville, NC, March 9, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: March 9, 1985
- Place: Robbinsville, NC
- Coordinates: 35.319461, -83.799362 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3195&lon=-83.7994&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6908
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86FA028
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6908/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86FA028

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - weather condition - obscuration (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - improper decision, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)

## Analysis

MSG ACFT FOUND AFTER 9 MOS. REMAINS FOUND ON EAST SIDE OF COLINE RIDGE IN GRAHAM CO NC. PATH OF BROKEN LIMBS/TREES ABOUT LEVEL INTO MOUNTAINSIDE. BOTH OCCUPANTS FATAL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8470X (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-301
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-8206011
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1G5 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Triangle Air Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 23, 1985
- Departed: MLB, MELBOURNE, FL
- Destination: OLY, OLNEY, IL
- Airport: 6A3, Andrews-Murphy

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark

## 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 19850309059639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850309059639A), Mar 9, 1985: Piper PA32301, Robbinsville, NC, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Reported missing on 850311. Wreckage found on 851118. Hit trees on mountain side in level flight in IFR weather.

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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