# NTSB ATL87FA007: Piper PA-32R-300, N5260F, Nashville, TN, October 20, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 20, 1986, 08:10 local (13:10 UTC)
- Place: Nashville, TN
- Coordinates: 36.109588, -86.659141 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1096&lon=-86.6591&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7261
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87FA007
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7261/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87FA007

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - ifr procedure - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - qualification, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight/navigation instrument(s) - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - inadequate transition/upgrade training, pilot in command (cause)
  - minimum descent altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total instrument time, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
  - object - open field

## Analysis

THE FLIGHT WAS CLEARED FOR THE LOCALIZER APPROACH TO RWY 31. THE PILOT REPORTED THE AIRPORT IN SIGHT. THE FLIGHT DESCENDED INTO THE CLOUD LAYER AND CRASHED ABOUT 1000 FEET SHORT OF THE MIDDLE MARKER. THE PILOT DID NOT REPORT ANY AIRCRAFT PROBLEM. THE APPROACH MDA IS 1040 FEET. THERE WAS NO REPORTED CEILING AND THERE WAS A .25 MILE VISIBILITY. THE PILOT WAS NOT INSTRUMENT QUALIFIED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5260F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5260F-2013-09-16), registration cancelled 2013-09-16, S/N 32R-7680500, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-300
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32R-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32r-300) (registry code 7103213) (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: 32-7680500
- Airframe hours: 1148
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1650 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Emert Mobile Homes
- Registered owner: Emert Mobile Home
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 20, 1986, 4 hours before
- Departed: KNOXVILLE, TN
- Destination: NASHVILLE, TN
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: BNA, Nashville, runway 35, 8,500 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 927 total, 600 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 3 knots
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BNA

## 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 19861020049529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861020049529A), Oct 20, 1986: Piper PA32R300, Nashville, TN, Destroyed. The aircraft impacted the ground on final. Pilot descented below mda. Pilot was not instrument rated.

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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