# NTSB FTW82FQA16: Piper PA-32R-300, N4026Q, Ruidoso Muni, NM, April 16, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: April 15, 1982, 17:40 local (Apr 16, 1982, 00:40 UTC)
- Place: Ruidoso Muni, NM
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report April 15, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72434
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82FQA16
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72434/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82FQA16

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
  - mixture - improper use of, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - turbulence,clear air (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT TOOK OFF FROM RUNWAY 18 WITH 4 OCCUPANTS AND ABOUT 98 GAL OF FUEL ON BOARD. THE WIND WAS FROM 210 DEG AT 8, GUSTING 20 KTS, THE PRESSURE ALTITUDE WAS ABOUT 8900 FT AND MODERATE TURBULENCE WAS REPORTED. ACCORDING TO WITNESSES, THE AIRCRAFT MADE A LONGER THAN NORMAL TAKEOFF ROLL AND NEVER GAINED MUCH ALTITUDE. A LEFT TURN WAS MADE JUST SOUTH OF THE RUNWAY WHILE STILL AT A VERY LOW ALTITUDE AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS UNABLE TO CLEAR THE TREES IN A WOODED AREA. ABOUT 365 FT PAST THE FIRST CONTACT WITH THE TREES, THE PLANE IMPACTED THE GROUND. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO PREIMPACT MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE. A VISUAL OBSEVATION OF THE SPARK PLUGS REVEALED INDICATIONS OF A RICH MIXTURE AND THE MIXTURE CONTROL WAS FOUND IN THE FULL RICH POSITION. THE AIRPORT ELEVATION WAS 6911 FT, THE ELEVATION OF THE CRASH SITE WAS REPORTED TO BE 7133 FT IN THE VICINITY OF HILLY/MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. THE CONFIGURATION OF THE GEAR AND FLAPS AFTER LIFT-OFF WAS NOT VERIFIED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N4026Q (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R-300
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-7780324
- Airframe hours: 943
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Curtis Lewis
- Registered owner: Curtis Lewis
- Departed: RUIDOSO MUNI, NM
- Destination: AMARILLO, TX
- Airport: Ruidoso Municipal, runway 18, 5,500 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 18; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 260 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 15,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 145 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19820415009509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820415009509A), Apr 15, 1982: Piper PA32R300, Ruidoso, NM, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Indicates pilot was unable to clear terrain on departure due to full rich mixture, high altitude, and downdrafts.

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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