# NTSB ATL88FA060: Piper PA-32-260, N3632W, Moultrie, GA, December 12, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 12, 1987, 12:55 local (17:55 UTC)
- Place: Moultrie, GA
- Coordinates: 31.160659, -83.770874 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.1607&lon=-83.7709&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 14, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7573
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL88FA060
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7573/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88FA060

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - clouds (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - fog
  - vfr flight into imc - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, descent - uncontrolled
  - design stress limits of aircraft - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS ON A PERSONAL VFR FLT WITH HIS WIFE AND SON. DURING THE COURSE OF THE FLT, HE ENTERED DETERIORATING WEATHER CONDITIONS. HE WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WERE SCATTERED RAIN SHOWERS AHEAD. HE CONTINUED ON HIS TRACK AND ADVISED APCH CONTROL THAT HE HAD LOST CONTACT WITH THE GROUND AND THOUGHT HE HAD BETTER TURN BACK UNLESS HE BROKE OUT SHORTLY. APCH CONTROL OBSERVED THE RADAR RETURN BEGIN  A RIGHT TURN AND THE PLT'S TRANSMISSION WAS CUT OFF DURING THE TURN. RADAR CONTACT WAS LOST AT 2,500 FEET AND THE ACFT WRECKAGE WAS FOUND SCATTERED OVER ALMOST 1,000 FEET. THE ACFT HAD BROKEN UP IN FLIGHT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3632W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3632W-2013-06-12), registration cancelled 2013-06-12, S/N 32-534, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-260
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-534
- Airframe hours: 4043
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Bobby C. Brown
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 2, 1987, 6 hours before
- Departed: M40, ABERDEEN, MS
- Destination: DAB, DAYTONA BEACH, FL
- Airport: MGB, Moultrie

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 393 total, 335 in this make and model, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,800 ft broken
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: VLD, 30 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 19871212070099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871212070099A), Dec 12, 1987: Piper PA32260, Moultrie, GA, Destroyed, 3 fatal. Flew into fog,rain and clouds. VFR pilot lost control trying to turn around. Aircraft broke up from overstress.

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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