# NTSB BFO91LA032: Piper PA32-260, N4870T, Roanoke, VA, March 18, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 17, 1991, 20:00 local (Mar 18, 1991, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Roanoke, VA
- Coordinates: 37.309371, -79.900802 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3094&lon=-79.9008&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 5 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11662
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO91LA032
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11662/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO91LA032

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN TERRAIN CLEARANCE ON A NIGHT VISUAL APPROACH.

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT WAS ON AN NIGHT IFR FLIGHT FROM WASHINGTON'S DULLES AIRPORT TO ROANOKE, VIRGINIA. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT FROM AN ALTITUDE OF 5000 FEET ON A RIGHT BASE LEG, HE WAS CLEARED FOR A VISUAL APPROACH TO RUNWAY 24. HE ADVISED THE TOWER THAT HE HAD ALL TERRAIN IN SIGHT AND STATED THAT THE THE ATIS HAD INDICATED A 25,000 FOOT OVERCAST WITH 15 MILES VISIBILITY. AT 6.2 NAUTICAL MILES (LORAN C) FROM THE RUNWAY, HE STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT AND STRUCK THE TOP OF A TREE ON A MOUNTAIN RIDGE. HE MAINTAINED CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND LANDED ON RUNWAY 24.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high terrain (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4870T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4870T), registered now, S/N 32-7200026, built 1972 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA32-260
- 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: 32-7200026
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Joseph B. Bledsoe
- Registered owner: G. L. Freeman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 15, 1990, 1,934 hours before
- Departed: IAD, WASHINGTON, VA
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: ROA, Roanoke Reg Apt, runway 24, 6,800 × 150 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 493 total, 38 in this make and model, 355 as pilot in command, 32 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 150° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ROA, 6 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 19910317056139A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910317056139A), Mar 17, 1991: Piper PA32260, Roanoke, VA, Substantial damage. Reported downdraft on night approach caused a tree strike on a ridge. Remained airborne and landed safely.

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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