# NTSB FTW70D0181: Piper PA-28, N6556J, Gainesville, TX, August 31, 1969

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Closed
- Date: August 31, 1969
- Place: Gainesville, TX · GAINESVILLE, TX
- Location: 33.6386° N, 97.1484° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Gainesville, TX, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.6386&lon=-97.1484&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 4, 1970
- Report: Brief approved by the director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 155778
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW70D0181
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW70D0181

## NTSB brief

```
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FILE    DATE          LOCATION          AIRCRAFT DATA       INJURIES       FLIGHT                        PILOT DATA
                                                               F  S M/N     PURPOSE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-3865  69/8/31    GAINESVILLE,TEX     PIPER PA-28         CR-  0  0  1  NONCOMMERCIAL             PRIVATE, AGE 56, 195
        TIME - 0930                    N6556J              PX-  0  0  1  PLEASURE/PERSONAL TRANSP  TOTAL HOURS, 45 IN TYPE,
                                       DAMAGE-SUBSTANTIAL  OT-  0  0  0                            NOT INSTRUMENT RATED.
        DEPARTURE POINT             INTENDED DESTINATION
          GAINESVILLE,TEX             LOCAL
        TYPE OF ACCIDENT                                         PHASE OF OPERATION
           COLLIDED WITH: WIRES/POLES                               IN FLIGHT: NORMAL CRUISE
           DITCHING                                                 LANDING: LEVEL OFF/TOUCHDOWN
        PROBABLE CAUSE(S)
           PILOT IN COMMAND - FAILED TO SEE AND AVOID OBJECTS OR OBSTRUCTIONS
           MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - UNWARRANTED LOW FLYING
        FACTOR(S)
           MISCELLANEOUS ACTS,CONDITIONS - AIRCRAFT CAME TO REST IN WATER
        EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES - FORCED LANDING OFF AIRPORT ON WATER
        REMARKS- DITCHED IN LAKE,ACFT SANK.
```

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6556J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6556J), registered now, S/N 28-5002, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Engines: reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage

## Other investigations on N6556J (2)

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.

- [NTSB SEA98LA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA108), Jun 20, 1998: Piper PA-28-180 (N6556J), Manzanita, OR, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the aborted takeoff. Factors include a crosswind gust during the takeoff roll.
- [NTSB CHI73 EE45](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI73%20EE45), Feb 22, 1973: Piper PA-28 (N6556J), Freeport, IL, substantial damage

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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