# NTSB ATL88FA068: Piper PA-28RT-201, N2869C, Rutherfordton, NC, December 25, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 25, 1987, 17:55 local (22:55 UTC)
- Place: Rutherfordton, NC
- Coordinates: 35.359722, -81.959297 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3597&lon=-81.9593&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 14, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7576
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL88FA068
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7576/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88FA068

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, missed approach (ifr)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - missed approach - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather evaluation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - ifr procedure - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS CLEARED FOR THE ADF APPROACH. THE AIRCRAFT WAS LAST OBSERVED ON RADAR ABOUT ONE MILE INSIDE THE RBN. THE AIRCRAFT WAS LOCATED ON DECEMBER 27 ABOUT 4 NM NE OF THE AIRPORT. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED THE TREES AT ABOUT THE 2270-FOOT LEVEL OF CARSON MT. THE FIELD ELEVATION AT THE AIRPORT IS 1078. THE MDA FOR THE ADF APPROACH IS 1540 FEET . THE MISSED APPROACH PROCEDURES REQUIRE THAT THE PILOT TURN LEFT, CLIMB TO 3000 FEET, RETURN TO THE RBN AND HOLD. IN PERFORMING THE MISSED APPROACH THE PLT FAILED TO CLIMB TO AND MAINTAIN 3000 FEET AS INSTRUCTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2869C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2869C-1991-03-20), registration cancelled 1991-03-20, S/N 28R7918183 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28RT-201 (PA-28RT-20)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28RT-201](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28rt-201) (registry code 7102818) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R-7918183
- Airframe hours: 3907
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1-C6 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Southeast Airmotive Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 19, 1987, 60 hours before
- Departed: LOUISBURG, NC
- Destination: RUTHERFORDTON, NC
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: RFE, Rutherfordton, runway 36, 4,300 × 75 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 265 total, 69 in this make and model, 183 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Dusk
- Wind: 210° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 100 ft
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GSP

## 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 19871225071709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871225071709A), Dec 25, 1987: Piper PA28RT201, Rutherfordton, NC, Destroyed, 4 fatal. Crashed on a mountain while attempting an NDB approach to airport. Struck tree prior to impact. Below IFR minimums.

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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