# NTSB FTW82FRG21: Piper PA-31, N9181Y, Port Mansfield, TX, January 17, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: January 17, 1982, 15:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Port Mansfield, TX
- Coordinates: 26.470911, -97.780357 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.4709&lon=-97.7804&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report January 17, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72289
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82FRG21
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72289/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82FRG21

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final
  - stolen aircraft/unauthorized use - performed, pilot in command
  - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final

## Analysis

THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED AND BURNED ABOUT 1/2 MILE FROM THE APPROACH END OF RUNWAY 12. A WITNESS REPORTED THAT "THE PLANE JUST FELL" WHILE THE PILOT WAS MAKING A SHARP TURN. AN ESTIMATED 1500 LBS OF MARIJUANA WAS ON BOARD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9181Y](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9181Y-2014-11-24), registration cancelled 2014-11-24, S/N 31-240, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-31
- Registry model: [Piper PA-31-310](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-31-310) (registry code 7103102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7103102
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540A2C 310 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: J. J. Dupont
- Registered owner: J. J. Dupont
- Destination: PORT MANSFIELD, TX
- Airport: T05, Port Mansfield, runway 12, 3,222 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 3,200 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 140° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,200 ft broken

## 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 19820117001029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820117001029A), Jan 17, 1982: Piper PA31, Port Mansfield, TX, Destroyed. Stalled during steep turns in pattern. Impact vertical in level attitude. Illegal marijuana on board.

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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