# NTSB BFO89DIG02: Piper PA-28, N38370, Cumberland, MD, July 30, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: July 30, 1989, 15:25 local (19:25 UTC)
- Place: Cumberland, MD
- Coordinates: 39.650909, -78.759002 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.6509&lon=-78.7590&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 4 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11446
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO89DIG02
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11446/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO89DIG02

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER DECISION TO TAKEOFF IN DETERIORATING WEATHER CONDITIONS.  RELATED FACTORS WERE: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN A WEATHER BRIEFING PRIOR TO DEPARTURE, AND HIS LACK OF AN INSTRUMENT RATING.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - obscuration (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather evaluation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - thunderstorm (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - attempted, pilot in command
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command
  - object - bridge/overpass (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT HAD DEPARTED THE ARPT ON THE SECOND LEG OF A X-COUNTRY FLT, WHEN AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED. HE REPORTED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO OBTAIN A WX BRIEFING PRIOR TO DEPARTURE AND INTENDED TO CALL FLT WATCH ONCE AIRBORNE. HE REPORTED THAT AFTER DEPARTURE, A THUNDERSTORM WAS ENCOUNTERED AND HE INITIATED A 180 DEG TURN BACK TO THE ARPT. THE PLT STATED THAT DUE TO SEVERE TURBULENCE, HE ELECTED TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON A ROAD. WHEN THE ACFT WAS ON FINAL APCH TO LAND, A TRUCK AND TRAILER PULLED OUT ON THE ROAD AND THE PLT ATTEMPTED A GO-AROUND. HE REPORTED THAT DURING THE GO-AROUND, ANOTHER DOWNDRAFT WAS EXPERIENCED AND HE VEERED THE ACFT TO THE LEFT TO AVOID THE TRUCK. THE ACFT THEN HIT AN OVERPASS AND DESCENDED TO THE ROAD BELOW. OTHER LOCAL PLTS STATED THERE WAS NO TURBULENCE IN THE AREA THAT DAY, BUT THE WEATHER WAS DETERIORATING RAPIDLY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N38370](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N38370-1989-10-19), registration cancelled 1989-10-19, S/N 287725278 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7725278
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ernie Garner
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: CBE, CUMBERLAND, MD
- Destination: MGW, MORGANTOWN, WV

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 194 total, 166 in this make and model, 194 as pilot in command, 32 in the last 90 days, 21 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CBE, 8 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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