# NTSB CHI91FA031: Piper PA-32-RT300, N9800K, Gaylord, MI, November 22, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 21, 1990, 19:50 local (Nov 22, 1990, 00:50 UTC)
- Place: Gaylord, MI
- Coordinates: 45.020107, -84.670722 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.0201&lon=-84.6707&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal, 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report July 2, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14886
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91FA031
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14886/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91FA031

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TERRAIN CLEARANCE. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE DARK NIGHT, ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE PILOT'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN CONTINUING VFR FLIGHT INTO THESE CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - drizzle/mist (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - continued, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD OBTAINED 3 WEATHER BRIEFINGS BEFORE THE NIGHT FLIGHT. FORECAST WEATHER WAS IMC ENROUTE AND AT DESTINATION, DETERIORATING THROUGH MIDNIGHT. THE PILOT FILED VFR TO SAGINAW AND IFR TO HIS DESTINATION. HE WAS NOT INSTRUMENT-RATED. THE PILOT BROKE OUT BENEATH A 600-FT OVERCAST AND ATTEMPTED FOR THE NEXT HOUR TO LAND. THE AIRPLANE EVENTUALLY FLEW INTO TREES ON AN EXTENDED DOWNWIND IN THE LANDING CONFIGURATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9800K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9800K-2014-12-01), registration cancelled 2014-12-01, S/N 32R-7885003, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-RT300 (PA-32-RT30)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32RT-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32rt-300) (registry code 7103215) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-7885003
- Airframe hours: 2600
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Larry E. Stenke
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, June 1, 1990, 75 hours before
- Departed: ARB, ANN ARBOR, MI
- Destination: GLR
- Flight plan: VFR/IFR
- Airport: GLR, Otsego County, runway 9, 5,000 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 670 total, 145 in this make and model, 40 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 220° at 15 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 600 ft overcast
- Temperature: 46 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.70 inHg
- Observed at: PLN, 4 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 19901121051099A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901121051099A), Nov 21, 1990: Piper PA32RT300, Gaylord, MI, Destroyed, 4 fatal. Struck trees circling to land at night in rain and fog. Reported unable land due severe crosswind. Was over gross.

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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