# NTSB ATL87FA100: Piper PA-34-200T, N2221E, Georgetown, DE, March 28, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: March 28, 1987, 02:35 local (07:35 UTC)
- Place: Georgetown, DE
- Coordinates: 38.690773, -75.3796 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.6908&lon=-75.3796&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7284
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87FA100
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7284/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87FA100

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, circling (ifr)
  - weather condition - below approach/landing minimums (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - minimum descent altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - missed approach - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS CLEARED FOR APPROACH WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO CLOSE FLT PLAN UPON LANDING. APRX THIRTY MIN LATER APPROACH CONTROL CALLED THE FSS AND ASKED IF THE PLT HAD BEEN IN CONTACT. THE REPLY WAS NEGATIVE. NO FURTHER ACTION WAS TAKEN BY APPROACH CONTROL. WRECKAGE WAS SPOTTED THE NEXT DAY ABOUT A MILE FROM THE ARPT AND LATER IDENTIFIED AS THE MISSING ACFT. THE PILOT DID NOT HAVE A VALID MEDICAL CERTIFICATE. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT AND ENG DID NOT REVEAL ANY DISCREPANCIES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2221E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2221E-2012-08-10), registration cancelled 2012-08-10, S/N 34-7970039, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-34-200T
- Registry model: [Piper PA-34-200T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-34-200t) (registry code 7103406) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-360-series) (registry code 17019, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 347970039
- Airframe hours: 3822
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSI0-360 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Executive/Corporate, Part 91
- Operator: Seaboard Air Charter,Inc.
- Registered owner: Seaboard Air Charter, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 23, 1986, 265 hours before
- Departed: WWD, WILDWOOD, NJ
- Destination: GED, GEORGETOWN, DE
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: GED, Georgetown Sussex County

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, expired; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 6,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 70° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 300 ft broken
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DOV, 27 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 19870328007549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870328007549A), Mar 28, 1987: Piper PA34200T, Georgetown, DE, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Aircraft struck trees during instrument approach at night in low visibility. No evidence of aircraft problems.

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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