# NTSB ATL86LA201: Piper PA-28-140, N7059R, Topsail Beach, NC, July 21, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 21, 1986, 14:00 local (18:00 UTC)
- Place: Topsail Beach, NC
- Coordinates: 34.48981, -77.550727 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.4898&lon=-77.5507&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): 7152
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86LA201
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7152/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86LA201

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, cruise
  - comm/nav equipment - erratic (contributing factor)
  - became lost/disoriented - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS ON A X-COUNTRY FLT FROM NEW YORK STATE TO FLORIDA WITH A PLANNED REFUELING STOP AT WILMINGTON, NC. HE REPORTED THAT HE BECAME DISORIENTED WHEN THE ACFT'S VOR NEEDLE BEGAN WAVERING, ABOUT 28 MILES NORTH OF WILMINGTON. ALSO, HE STATED THAT HE NO LONGER FELT COMFORTABLE IN THE AIR AND DECIDED TO LAND. A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WAS MADE ON A DESOLATE SECTION OF THE BEACH WHERE THE ACFT ENCOUNTERED SOFT SAND & FLIPPED INVERTED. NO MECHANICAL PROBLEM OF THE ACFT WAS VERIFIED. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, THE VISIBILITY WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 3 MILES DUE TO HAZE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7059R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7059R-2017-06-21), registration cancelled 2017-06-21, S/N 28-21758, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-21758
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert R. Diaz
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Departed: POU, POUGHKEEPSIE, NY
- Destination: ILM, WILMINGTON, NC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 3,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 79 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ILM, 13 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 19860721035459A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860721035459A), Jul 21, 1986: Piper PA28140, Topsail Beach, NC, Substantial damage. Disoriented pilot made a precautionary landing on a Beach. The aircraft flipped over.

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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