# NTSB ATL88LA105: Cessna 340A, N4329C, Lincolnton, NC, March 5, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 5, 1988, 11:50 local (16:50 UTC)
- Place: Lincolnton, NC
- Coordinates: 35.440509, -81.150207 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.4405&lon=-81.1502&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 10, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7715
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL88LA105
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7715/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88LA105

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - door - open (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - precautionary landing - attempted, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - maneuver - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - airspeed - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

JUST AFTER LIFT OFF FOR A LCL FLT, THE PLT-IN-CMD, WHO WAS IN THE RIGHT SEAT, NOTED THE FRONT EDGE OF THE NOSE BAGGAGE COMPT TO 'POP OPEN'.  HE ASSUMED CONTROL OF THE ACFT AND ATTEMPTED TO 'TEAR DROP' A RETURN TO THE OPPOSITE RUNWAY.  DURING THE MANEUVER, THE BAGGAGE DOOR OPENED COMPLETELY AND THE PLT DID NOT ATTAIN ALIGNMENT WITH THE RWY.  HE BANKED TO THE LEFT AND IN HIS WORDS 'THE AIRPLANE QUIT FLYING'.  THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH THE ARPT SURFACE TO THE LEFT OF THE RUNWAY AND CAME TO A STOP.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4329C](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4329C-2007-07-12), registration cancelled 2007-07-12, S/N 340A0536, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 340A
- Registry model: [Cessna 340A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-340a) (registry code 2076405) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-520 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-520-series) (registry code 17040, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 340A0536
- Airframe hours: 2594
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520N 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Aero Quest Aviation & Leasing
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1988, 3 hours before
- Departed: LINCOLNTON, NC
- Airport: 5N4, Lincoln Co., runway 23, 4,800 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 4,066 total, 240 in this make and model, 3,445 as pilot in command, 39 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: HKY, 19 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 19880305004529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880305004529A), Mar 5, 1988: Cessna 340A, Lincolnton, NC, Substantial damage. Nose baggage door came open on climbout. Right seat pilot tried to return. Stalled in steep turn to rwy and crashed

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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