# NTSB CHI84LA133: Piper PA-32-260, N4343X, St. Ignace, MI, March 21, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 20, 1984, 23:45 local (Mar 21, 1984, 04:45 UTC)
- Place: St. Ignace, MI
- Coordinates: 45.860496, -84.719352 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.8605&lon=-84.7194&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12564
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI84LA133
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12564/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI84LA133

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - weather condition - icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - flight into known adverse weather - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - self-induced pressure, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT INITIATED FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WX CONDITIONS IN ORDER TO PICK UP A HEART ATTACK VICTIM. THE PILOT ENCOUNTERED FOG & IN AN ATTEMPT TO RETURN TO HIS DEPARTURE POINT, COLLIDED WITH THE FROZEN LAKE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4343X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4343X-2012-11-21), registration cancelled 2012-11-21, S/N 32-7600001, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-260
- 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: 32-7600001
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Great Lakes Air, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 83D, ST. IGNACE, MI
- Destination: Y84, MACKINAC ISLAND, MI
- Airport: 83D, Mackinac County

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 3,000 as pilot in command, 250 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 70° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 400 ft
- Temperature: 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PLN, 19 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 19840320006819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840320006819A), Mar 20, 1984: Piper PA32260, St Ignace, MI, Substantial damage. Took off into night in freezing rain and severe icing conditions. Lost control and crashed onto frozen lake huron.

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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