# NTSB ATL93LA050: Piper PA-32R-301, N8409A, Goldsboro, NC, January 14, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 14, 1993, 01:00 local (06:00 UTC)
- Place: Goldsboro, NC
- Coordinates: 35.490848, -77.979881 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.4908&lon=-77.9799&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 18, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8722
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL93LA050
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8722/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL93LA050

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER DECISION IN ATTEMPTING A NIGHT LANDING AT AN AIRPORT WITHOUT OPERATING RUNWAY LIGHTS WHICH RESULTED IN A TOUCHDOWN OFF THE RUNWAY. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: AN AIRPLANE LIGHTING MALFUNCTION FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON(S) AND THE DARK NIGHT LIGHT CONDITION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - airport facilities,runway edge lights - inoperative (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - proper alignment - not identified, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - other

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT ABOUT 40 MILES FROM HIS DESTINATION, THE AIRPLANE'S LIGHTS BLINKED ON AND OFF DUE TO A SHORT IN THE SYSTEM. HE ELECTED TO LAND AT GOLDSBORO, AWARE THAT THE RUNWAY LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE AIRPLANE LANDED ABOUT 20 FT LEFT OF THE RUNWAY, IN THE GRASS, AND COLLIDED WITH A PIECE OF CULTIVATING EQUIPMENT. DURING EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE, THE LANDING LIGHT WAS OPERATED SEVERAL TIMES & FUNCTIONED NORMALLY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8409A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8409A), registered now, S/N 32R-8113084, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-301
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32R-301](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32r-301) (registry code 7103218) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-8113084
- Airframe hours: 1723
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1G-5D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: High Cotton, Inc.
- Registered owner: High Cotton, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 28, 1992, 27 hours before
- Departed: FDW, WINNSBORO, SC
- Destination: ISO, KINSTON, NC
- Airport: GWW, Goldsboro Wayne Muni, runway 23, 5,500 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 879 total, 229 in this make and model, 802 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 290° at 1 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GSB, 8 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 19930114000339A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930114000339A), Jan 14, 1993: Piper PA32R301, Goldsboro, NC, Substantial damage. Landed off side of unlighted runway at night and struck farm equipment. Lights were notamed out of service.

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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