# NTSB ATL88FA220: Piper PA-28-151, N4506F, La Grange, GA, July 25, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 24, 1988, 21:08 local (Jul 25, 1988, 01:08 UTC)
- Place: La Grange, GA
- Coordinates: 33.039993, -85.12075 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.0400&lon=-85.1208&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 25, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7618
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL88FA220
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7618/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88FA220

## Sequence of events

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

- Abrupt maneuver, cruise
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - buzzing - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - ostentatious display, pilot in command (cause)
  - pull-up - abrupt, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - encountered, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

THE PIC STATED HE HAD A HARDOVER IN THE SINGLE AXIS AUTOPILOT WHICH RESULTED IN THE ACFT CONSTANTLY TURNING RIGHT. THEREFORE DUE TO THE CONTINOUS BANK HE ELECTED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING IN A LAKE VERSUS ON LAND. THE ACFT IMPACTED IN A LAKE LEFT OF THE PLANNED COURSE. THE ROLL SERVO WAS DESIGNED SO THAT WHEN POWER WAS REMOVED FROM THE SERVO A SPRING DISENGAGED THE SERVO FROM THE AILERON BRIDLE CABLE. THE SPRING WAS FOUND FUNCTIONAL AFTER RECOVERY OF THE ACFT FROM THE LAKE. WITNESSES RPTED SEEING THE ACFT FLYING ABOUT 10-15 FEET ABOVE THE LAKE SURFACE FOR ABOUT ONE QUARTER MILE. AS THE ACFT APPROACHED A BRIDGE IT PULLED UP ABRUPTLY, STALLED, AND IMPACTED THE WATER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4506F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4506F-2001-01-11), registration cancelled 2001-01-11, S/N 28-7715043 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-151
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-151](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-151) (registry code 7102805) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7715043
- Airframe hours: 1038
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert M. Thompson
- Registered owner: R. M. Thompson & D. Laguardia
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 14, 1988, 36 hours before
- Departed: 06A, TUSKEGEE, AL
- Destination: CCO, NEWNAN, GA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 23; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 280 total, 245 in this make and model, 254 as pilot in command, 37 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 310° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CSG, 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 19880724030789A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880724030789A), Jul 24, 1988: Piper PA28151, La Grange, GA, Substantial damage. Stalled and crashed into lake trying to pull up to miss a bridge after buzzing the area.

## Other investigations on N4506F (1)

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.

- [NTSB MIA78FKG19](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA78FKG19), Jan 28, 1978: Piper PA-28 (N4506F), Stockbridge, GA, substantial damage

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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