# NTSB CHI85LA128: Piper PA-32-300, N3012L, Lacon, IL, March 5, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 4, 1985, 18:32 local (Mar 5, 1985, 00:32 UTC)
- Place: Lacon, IL
- Coordinates: 41.019805, -89.400497 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.0198&lon=-89.4005&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13018
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA128
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13018/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA128

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor)
- Altitude deviation,uncontrolled, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - attempted, pilot in command
- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - utility pole

## Analysis

WHILE ON FINAL APCH MODERATE TURBULENCE WAS EXPERIENCED. A 200 TO 300 FOOT VERTICLE LOSS OF ALT OCCURRED. THE PLT ADDED PWR AND INCREASED THE PITCH ATTITUDE. BEFORE ALT COULD BE REGAINED THE ACFT CONTACTED A UTILITY POLE. THE APCH WAS BEING MADE TO RWY 18. THE NEAREST WX REPORTING STATION, 25 MILES AWAY, REPORTED WINDS FROM 250 DEGREES AT 22 KTS GUSTING TO 36 KTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3012L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3012L), registered now, S/N 32-7940031, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-300
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-300) (registry code 7103212) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 327940031
- Airframe hours: 32383
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K165 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Michael J. Marko
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: ALN, ALTON, IL
- Airport: C75, Marshall County, runway 18, 2,200 × 50 ft

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 8,808 total, 7,424 in this make and model, 7,283 as pilot in command, 723 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 250° at 22 knots, gusting 36
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 34 °F, dew point 18 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PIA, 25 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 19850304006829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850304006829A), Mar 4, 1985: Piper PA32300, Lacon, IL, Substantial damage. Struck utility pole on final approach and aircraft settled to cornfield. Dark night and long final. Medical expired

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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