# NTSB CHI85FA036: Piper PA-32R-300, N30TR, North Freedom, WI, October 31, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 31, 1984, 14:20 local (20:20 UTC)
- Place: North Freedom, WI
- Location: 43.4580° N, 89.8538° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of North Freedom, WI, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.4580&lon=-89.8538&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12809
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85FA036
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12809/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85FA036

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, cruise - normal
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - preflight briefing service - not used, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - flight into known adverse weather - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total instrument time, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

AT AN EARLY MORNING PREDEPARTURE WX BRIEFING THE PILOT WAS ADVISED OF DETERIORATING AFTERNOON WX PILOT FLEW CROSS COUNTRY CONDUCTED BUSINESS AND DEPARTED LATE AFTERNOON WITH NO WX BRIEF NO FLT PLAN DEPARTURE AREA AND DESTINATION BOTH REPORTING IMC WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REMAIN VFR UNDER A RAGGED 600 FT CEILING PILOT ENTERED CLOUDS AND STRUCK TREES ON A RIDGE

## Aircraft

- Registration: N30TR (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-300
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-768188
- Airframe hours: 1384
- Engines: LYCOMING I0.540.KIG5D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert B. Andrew M.D.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 1, 1984, 12 hours before
- Departed: C35, REEDSBURG, WI
- Destination: C29, MADISON, WI
- Airport: Unknown

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 799 total, 26 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 600 ft overcast
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MSN, 29 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 19841031059379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841031059379A), Oct 31, 1984: Piper PA32R300, North Freedom, WI, Destroyed. Struck tree in area of rising terrain and impacted ground. Pilot was in bottom of clouds and not IFR rated.

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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