# NTSB CHI91LA025: Piper PA-32-260, N5536J, Latham, KS, November 8, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 8, 1990, 06:20 local (12:20 UTC)
- Place: Latham, KS
- Coordinates: 37.529144, -96.640609 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.5291&lon=-96.6406&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14954
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91LA025
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14954/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA025

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN A PROPER ALTITUDE.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - low ceiling
- In flight collision with object, cruise
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing

## Analysis

WHILE FLYING VFR CROSS COUNTRY, ON A DARK OVERCAST NIGHT, THE PLT SAID THAT HE HAD TO DESCEND DUE TO LOWERING CEILINGS, LIGHT RAIN AND DECREASED VISIBILITY. HE COLLIDED WITH POWER LINES, DAMAGING THE LEFT LDG GEAR. HE ELECTED TO LAND STRAIGHT AHEAD IN A PASTURE, WHICH RESULTED IN ADDITIONAL AIRFRAME DAMAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5536J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5536J), registered now, S/N 32-999 (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: 32-999
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E405 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Dale I. Castor, doing business as Dabonn Aviation
- Departed: 8K2, HARPER, KS
- Destination: 1K7, FREDONIA, KS
- Airport: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 2,146 total, 174 in this make and model, 2,076 as pilot in command, 71 in the last 90 days, 21 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 140° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,100 ft overcast
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: ICT, 40 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 19901108049329A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901108049329A), Nov 8, 1990: Piper PA32260, Latham, KS, Substantial damage. Struck a powerline while descending under low ceiling to maintain ground contact. Landed minus left gear in field.

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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