# NTSB CHI84LA048: Piper PA-24-250, N6159P, Norwalk, OH, November 20, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 20, 1983, 10:15 local (15:15 UTC)
- Place: Norwalk, OH
- Coordinates: 41.23954, -82.610801 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.2395&lon=-82.6108&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12499
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI84LA048
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12499/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84LA048

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - judgment - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor)
  - lowering of flaps - excessive, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - windshear (contributing factor)
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE ACFT MADE A HARD LANDING WHILE ON A CROSS-COUNTRY FLT. THE PLT STATED THAT HE ENCOUNTERED TURBULENCE BELOW 3000 FT MSL. DURING THE HE ENCOUNTERED WIND SHEAR WHICH CAUSED HIM TO DROP 40 FT ONTO THE RWY. THE ACFT MANUAL STATES THAT 'IN HIGH WIND CONDITIONS AND CROSSWINDS IT MAY BE DESIRABLE TO APPROACH THE GROUND AT HIGHER THAN NORMAL SPEED WITH PARTIAL OR NO FLAPS.' HE MADE THIS APPROACH USING FULL FLAPS. ABOUT A HALF HOUR AFTER THE ACCIDENT CLEVELAND REPORTED A FRONTAL PASSAGE WITH WINDS FROM 170 DEGREES AT 20 KTS GUSTING TO 30 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6159P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N6159P-2018-12-12), registration cancelled 2018-12-12, S/N 24-412, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-24-250
- Registry model: [Piper PA-24-250](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-250) (registry code 7102404) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24-160
- Airframe hours: 3250
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Joseph A. Wilhelm
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 24, 1983
- Departed: 8G4, PITTSBURG, PA
- Airport: OH21, Huron Company, runway 9, 3,950 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,053 total, 803 in this make and model, 853 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 20 knots, gusting 30
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 8,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CLE, 33 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 19831120058249A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19831120058249A), Nov 20, 1983: Piper PA24250, Norwalk, OH, Substantial damage. Pilot made hard landing. Frontal passage reported in area near time of accident.

## Other investigations on N6159P (1)

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.

- [NTSB NYC82DA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC82DA111), May 31, 1982: Piper PA-24-250 (N6159P), Bridgeville, PA, substantial damage

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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