# NTSB ATL89FA004: Piper PA-30, N7484Y, La Follette, TN, October 2, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 2, 1988, 12:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: La Follette, TN
- Coordinates: 36.369602, -84.119415 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.3696&lon=-84.1194&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report January 4, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7853
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL89FA004
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7853/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL89FA004

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, cruise
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - autopilot/flight director - undetermined (contributing factor)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, descent - uncontrolled
  - design stress limits of aircraft - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED AN AUTOPILOT PROBLEM AND WAS NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. THE AIRFRAME COMPONENTS WERE SCATTERED IN A CIRCULAR PATTERN. ALL FRACTURES DISPLAYED OVERLOAD FAILURES. THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY SYSTEM OR COMPONENT FAILURE. THE AIRPLANE CENTER SECTION WAS DESTROYED BY THE POST CRASH FIRE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7484Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7484Y-2013-05-08), registration cancelled 2013-05-08, S/N 30-545, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-30
- Registry model: [Piper PA-30](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-30) (registry code 7103002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-320-series) (registry code 41509, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 30-545
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-320-B1B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Charles Russell
- Registered owner: Charles J Russell
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: LANSING, MI
- Destination: KNOXVILLE, TN
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 61; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 673 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 700 ft broken
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TYS, 40 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 19881002042469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19881002042469A), Oct 2, 1988: Piper PA30, Lafollette, TN, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Lost control in clouds. Reported upside down and autopilot defect. Spiral dived wings failed. Crashed and burned.

## Other investigations on N7484Y (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 UNK65X0167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/UNK65X0167), Oct 6, 1964: Piper PA30 (N7484Y), Skaneateles, NY, 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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