# NTSB BFO88FA008: Piper PA-32-260B, N4832S, Willis, VA, November 27, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 27, 1987, 18:36 local (23:36 UTC)
- Place: Willis, VA
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal
- Status: Completed, report February 14, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11353
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO88FA008
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11353/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO88FA008

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - flight/nav instruments,directional gyro - inoperative (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - flight/navigation instrument(s) - misread, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
  - fatigue, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - descent - inadvertent
  - emergency procedure - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT WAS ON A NIGHT IFR FLIGHT AT 7000 FT MSL IN IMC WHEN THE PLT REPORTED THE DIRECTIONAL GYRO WAS INOPERATIVE. THE ACFT WAS OUTBOUND FROM THE PULASKI VOR ON V45 HEADED SOUTHEAST. THE PLT FURTHER REPORTED THE TURN&BANK AND THE MAG COMPASS WERE OPERATIVE. SHORTLY AFTERWARDS THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN THE CORRECT COURSE. THE ACFT EVENTUALLY REVERSED COURSE. WHILE ATC WAS TRYING TO HELP THE PLT RETURN TO THE CORRECT COURSE THE ACFT DESCENDED AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. WITNESSES NEAR THE ACCIDENT SITE REPORTED POOR VISIBILITY, LOW CLOUDS, AND FOG. THE AIRCRAFT'S IMC CAPABILITY COULD NOT BE ACCURATELY DETERMINED DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE FIRE AND IMPACT DAMAGE. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE DRIVEN VACUUM PUMP DID NOT REVEAL CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE OF FAILURE. THE ACFT WAS EQUIPPED WITH A STANDBY VACUUM SYSTEM, HOWEVER, OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM COULD NOT BE CONFIRMED. THE PLT HAD FLOWN THE FIRST LEG (4.0 HRS.) TO DROP OFF PAX AND WAS RETURNING TO HIS HOME BASE. THE ACFT HAD FLOWN ABOUT 3 HRS. ON THIS LEG.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4832S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4832S-2013-10-23), registration cancelled 2013-10-23, S/N 32-1263, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-260B
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-1263
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Cosco Signs, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 12, 1987
- Departed: LIMA, OH
- Destination: INT, WINSTON-SALEM, NC
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; toxicology performed; flight hours: 931 total, 109 in this make and model, 867 as pilot in command, 320 in the last 90 days, 39 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 60° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 200 ft overcast
- Temperature: 39 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: INT, 3 nm away

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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