# NTSB ATL88FA136: Piper PA-32R-301T, N8171P, Middlesboro, KY, April 3, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 3, 1988, 16:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Middlesboro, KY
- Coordinates: 36.609516, -83.720573 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.6095&lon=-83.7206&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 7 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 11, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7595
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL88FA136
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7595/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88FA136

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor)
  - planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight into known adverse weather - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - vfr flight into imc - continued, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, cruise
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT RECEIVED PREFLT WX BRIEFING THAT STATED VFR FLT WAS NOT RECOMMENDED DUE TO LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM AFFECTING PROPOSED FLT PATH. WX FORECAST INCLUDED TORNADOES, HAIL, THUNDERSTORMS TO 42,000', MODERATE RIME ICING, MODERATE TURBULENCE, WIND GUSTS TO 70 KTS, LOW CEILINGS AND POOR VISIBILITY. THE FLT DEPARTED VFR AND THE WRECKAGE WAS LOCATED 5 DAYS LATER IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. THE ACFT HAD COLLIDED WITH A MOUNTAIN AT APPROX 2,900' MSL. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL OR STRUCTURAL MALFUNCTIONS PRIOR TO THE IMPACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8171P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8171P-1988-08-25), registration cancelled 1988-08-25, S/N 32R8029053 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-301T (PA-32R-301)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32R-301T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32r-301t) (registry code 7103220) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R8029053
- Airframe hours: 1051
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-S1AD 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Cox Manufacturing Co. Inc.
- Registered owner: Cox Manufacturing Co., Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 1, 1987
- Departed: JES, JESUP, GA
- Destination: I22, WINCHESTER, IN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 852 total, 446 in this make and model, 805 as pilot in command, 19 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,200 ft broken
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LOZ, 39 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 19880403008109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880403008109A), Apr 3, 1988: Piper PA32R301T, Middlesboro, KY, Destroyed, 7 fatal. VFR pilot flying in IFR weather hit mountain side in steep left turn. Weather briefing warned VFR not recommended.

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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