# NTSB ATL88LA245: Piper PA-28R-200, N1281T, Charleston, TN, September 4, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 4, 1988, 12:35 local (16:35 UTC)
- Place: Charleston, TN
- Coordinates: 35.279151, -84.760704 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.2792&lon=-84.7607&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 24, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7807
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL88LA245
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7807/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88LA245

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - electrical system,alternator - failure,total (cause)
  - accessory drive assy - inoperative (cause)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - weather condition - clouds (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - grass (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - wet (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT HE HAD A PARTIAL THEN TOTAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE. DURING THE OFF- AIRPORT EMERGENCY LANDING ON A WET, GRASSY FIELD, THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO STOP BEFORE SLIDING INTO A CULVERT. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THAT BOTH BELTS FOR THE ACCESSORY DRIVE WERE MISSING FROM THE ENGINE AREA. THE AIRCRAFT WAS BEING FERRIED TO NEW OWNERS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1281T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1281T-2012-07-30), registration cancelled 2012-07-30, S/N 28R-7235254, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-200
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-200) (registry code 7102811) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R-7235254
- Airframe hours: 1506
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1C 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: 2 Genes Avn
- Registered owner: Robert S Rush
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 26, 1988, 20 hours before
- Departed: CUB, COLUMBIA, SC
- Destination: CHA, CHATTANOOGA, TN
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 577 total, 14 in this make and model, 533 as pilot in command, 159 in the last 90 days, 29 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CHA, 28 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 19880904040709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880904040709A), Sep 4, 1988: Piper PA28R200, No Charleston, TN, Substantial damage. Alternator belt broke. Lost electrics. Overshot muddy field landing. Was on ferry flight.

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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