# NTSB DEN84LA111: Piper PA-12-115, N4378M, Riverton, WY, March 19, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 19, 1984, 13:15 local (20:15 UTC)
- Place: Riverton, WY
- Coordinates: 43.059772, -108.45796 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.0598&lon=-108.4580&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16351
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN84LA111
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16351/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN84LA111

## Sequence of events

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

- Vortex turbulence encountered, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - planned approach - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED THAT A CONVAIR 580 HAD LANDED BEFORE HIM. THE PLT FLEW A NORMAL GLIDE SLOPE & PLANNED TO LAND ON THE APPROACH END OF THE RWY. ON SHORT FINAL AT 50 FT AGL, THE ACFT SUDDENLY BANKED 'OVER 90 DEGREES' TO THE LEFT OUT OF CONTROL. THE ACFT THEN HIT THE GROUND 50 YDS SHORT OF THE RWY IN A LEFT WING LOW ATTITUDE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4378M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4378M), registered now, S/N 12-3314 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-12-115
- Registry model: [Piper PA-12](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-12) (registry code 7101202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 12-3314
- Airframe hours: 3
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Dennis Buckles
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 15, 1983
- Airport: RIW, Riverton Regional, runway 10, 8,200 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 7,230 total, 50 in this make and model, 7,230 as pilot in command, 165 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 100 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19840319005779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840319005779A), Mar 19, 1984: Piper PA12, Riverton, WY, Substantial damage. Encountered wake turbulence on short final. Crashed left wing low off edge of runway threshold.

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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