# NTSB ATL92FA019: Piper PA-32R-301T, N3559J, Darden, TN, October 29, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 29, 1991, 17:32 local (23:32 UTC)
- Place: Darden, TN
- Coordinates: 35.629131, -88.230964 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.6291&lon=-88.2310&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8486
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL92FA019
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8486/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL92FA019

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE. THE PILOT EXCEEDED THE DESIGN LIMITS OF THE AIRFRAME.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, cruise - normal
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, descent - emergency
  - flight control surfaces/attachments - failure,total (cause)
  - design stress limits of aircraft - exceeded, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency

## Analysis

WHILE FLYING AT A CRUISE ALTITUDE OF 600 FEET THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. HE HAD NOT REPORTED EXPERIENCING A MECHANICAL PROBLEM NOR WERE ANY DISCOVERED DURING THE EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE AT THE ACCIDENT SITE. THERE WAS NO SIGNIFICANT WEATHER OBSERVED AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE POST MORTEM EXAMINATION OF THE PILOT FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MALADY WHICH WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THE PILOT FROM PERFORMING HIS NORMAL DUTIES. HOWEVER, THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED FROM THE ASSIGNED ALTITUDE AND WAS LAST OBSERVED AT 5600 FEET BEFORE DISAPPEARING OFF RADAR. WRECKAGE WAS SCATTERED OVER AN AREA ABOUT ONE MILE LONG IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE INTENDED FLIGHT PATH, THE LEFT WING FLAP ASSEMBLY AND ABOUT A TWO FOOT SECTION OF THE RIGHT HORIZONTAL STABILATOR TRIM TAB WERE NOT RECOVERED FOR EXAMINATION. THE LEFT WING FLAP ASSEMBLY SEPARATED FORM THE AIRFRAME AND WAS LOCATED ABOUT 1/2 MILE WEST OF THE MAIN WRECKAGE. COMPONENTS FROM THE EMPENNAGE SECTION WERE FOUND ABOUT ONE MILE FROM THE MAIN WRECKAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3559J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3559J-2013-10-23), registration cancelled 2013-10-23, S/N 32R-8029021, built 1979 (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)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-8029021
- Airframe hours: 1752
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-S1AD 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Hanes, Roger E.
- Registered owner: Hanes, Roger E.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 2, 1990, 61 hours before
- Departed: DKX, KNOXVILLE, TN
- Destination: MO4, COVINGTON, TN
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,320 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MKL, 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 19911029052649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19911029052649A), Oct 29, 1991: Piper PA32R301T, Darden, TN, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Broke up in flight. Cause undetermined. Loss of control and spiral dive leads to breakup. Level two cells in area.

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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