# NTSB CHI83LA031: Piper PA-28-181, N6246J, Marshall, MN, November 1, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 1, 1982, 04:45 local (10:45 UTC)
- Place: Marshall, MN
- Coordinates: 44.450325, -95.779945 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.4503&lon=-95.7799&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 1, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71595
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI83LA031
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71595/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI83LA031

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, takeoff - initial climb
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total instrument time, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)

## Analysis

DURING A PREFLIGHT WEATHER BRIEFING, THE PILOT WAS WARNED THAT VFR FLIGHT WAS NOT RECOMMENDED. ALSO, A FIXED BASE OPERATOR WARNED HIM OF THE WEATHER (THERE WERE PATCHES OF GROUND FOG). AFTER TAKEOFF, FOG WAS ENCOUNTERED AT ABOUT 200 TO 500 FT AGL. DURING A DESCENDING TURN BACK TOWARD THE AIRPORT, THE RIGHT WING CONTACTED THE GROUND AND THE PLANE CRASHED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6246J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6246J-2014-11-12), registration cancelled 2014-11-12, S/N 28-7690379, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 287690379
- Airframe hours: 2177
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Dwire Bros.
- Registered owner: Dwire Bros.
- Departed: MML, MARSHALL, MN
- Destination: 21Y, MOOSE LAKE, MN
- Airport: MML, Ryan Field, runway 30, 4,850 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 156 total, 17 in this make and model, 28 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 310° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Temperature: 102 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: RWF, 20 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 19821101056549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821101056549A), Nov 1, 1982: Piper PA28181, Marshall, MN, Destroyed. VFR pilot departed into thick ground fog,tried to turn back. Flew into the ground. Was advised VFR not recommended.

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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