# NTSB ATL86MA087: Piper PA-32-300, N1099X, Andalusia, AL, March 7, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Major investigation · Final report
- Date: March 7, 1986, 08:35 local (14:35 UTC)
- Place: Andalusia, AL
- Coordinates: 31.299104, -86.480445 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.2991&lon=-86.4804&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7215
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL86MA087
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7215/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL86MA087

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, maneuvering
  - stall/spin - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
- Cargo shift, maneuvering
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - complacency, pilot in command
  - tie down - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - misc eqpt/furnishings,cargo restraints - inadequate (cause)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - condition(s)/step(s) insufficiently defined, faa inspector (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, descent - uncontrolled
  - door,interior crew - binding(mechanical)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACCIDENT FLT WAS TO BE THE LAST IN A SERIES OF FLT TESTS. THIS FLT WAS FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING THE LANDING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ACFT WITH A COMBINATION SPEED/STOL KIT INSTALLED. WHEN THE FAA FLT TEST PLT FAILED TO RETURN FROM THE MISSION A SEARCH WAS STARTED. THE ACFT HAD BEEN SEEN SPINNING BY 3 WITNESSES WHO ALSO SAW THE PLT JUMP FROM THE ACFT AT LOW ALT. THE PLT WORE A PARACHUTE BUT IT WAS NOT DEPLOYED AND HE WAS FATALLY INJURED. THE PLTS CLOTHING HAD OIL SPLATTERS WHICH CHEMICALLY TESTED THE SAME AS THE OIL USED FOR BALLAST IN THE ACFT. THERE WERE NO OIL CONTAINERSNEAR THE BODY WHICH WAS ABOUT 20 YDS FROM THE ACFT WRECKAGE. THE BALLAST WAS IMPROPERLY SECURED IN THE ACFT AND HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY FAA. THE FAA INSPECTOR DID NO EVALUATION OR INSTRUCTING ON THE CONDUCT OF THESE TESTS. THE OWNER SAID HE HAD PERFORMED THE SAME TESTS AS ATTEMPTED BUT THERE WERE NO RECORDS CONCERNING THESE TESTS. THE EXIT DOOR JETTISON FUNCTION REQUIRED 3 PROCEDURAL STEPS FOR EGRESS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1099X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1099X-2013-06-14), registration cancelled 2013-06-14, S/N 32-7540143, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-300
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-300) (registry code 7103212) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-7540143
- Airframe hours: 2010
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-KIA5 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: M & M Flying Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, February 3, 1986, 8 hours before
- Departed: 79J, ANDALUSIA, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 5,513 total, 8 in this make and model, 2,642 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DHN, 40 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 19860307005659A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860307005659A), Mar 7, 1986: Piper PA32300, Adalusia, AL, Destroyed. Indicates improperly secured test cargo shifted entering a spin. Was too low to recover. Pilot bailed out too late.

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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