# NTSB ATL86FLQ03: Piper PA-28RT-201T, N8277Y, Hopkinsvile, KY, October 23, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: October 23, 1985, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Hopkinsvile, KY
- Coordinates: 36.849472, -87.489402 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.8495&lon=-87.4894&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6998
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86FLQ03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6998/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86FLQ03

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - electrical system,alternator - failure,total (cause)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - open field
- Main gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

THE ACFT HAD ELECTRICAL FAILURE DURING AN IFR FLT AND RADIO/RADAR CONTACT WAS LOST. THE PLT SAID HE WAS IN & OUT OF THE CLOUDS DURING THE FINAL STAGES OR THE X-COUNTRY FLT. THE CLOUD CEILING WAS ABOUT 800 FT WHERE HE FINALLY DESCENDED & LANDED IN A SOYBEAN FIELD. INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT THE ALTERNATOR HAD FAILED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8277Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8277Y-1988-09-07), registration cancelled 1988-09-07, S/N 28R8131008 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28RT-201T (PA-28RT-20)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28RT-201T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28rt-201t) (registry code 7102817) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R-8131008
- Airframe hours: 1338
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-360-FBI 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Landmark Realty,Inc.
- Registered owner: River City Investment Co Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 22, 1985, 6 hours before
- Departed: MCO, ORLANDO, FL
- Destination: LOU, LOUISVILLE, KY
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 509 total, 248 in this make and model, 362 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 800 ft overcast
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HOP, 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 19851023052919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851023052919A), Oct 23, 1985: Piper PA28RT201T, Hopkinsville, KY, Substantial damage. Alternator bearing failed, resulting in complete electrical failure. Damage to airframe while landing in a 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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