# NTSB FTW83LA388: Piper PA-24-250, N5230P, Lindreth, NM, August 20, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 19, 1983, 19:45 local (Aug 20, 1983, 01:45 UTC)
- Place: Lindreth, NM
- Coordinates: 36.299304, -107.040733 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.2993&lon=-107.0407&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21020
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA388
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21020/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA388

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - proper descent rate - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment

## Analysis

THE PLT SAID HE WAS APPROACHING THE RWY AT 90 MPH WITH FULL FLAPS AND AT 300 FT AGL HE HIT A DOWNDRAFT. HE ADDED POWER AND RAISED THE NOSE BUT COULD NOT STOP THE DESCENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5230P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5230P), registered now, S/N 24-260, built 1958 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-24-250
- Registry model: [Piper PA-24-250](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-250) (registry code 7102404) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24-260
- Airframe hours: 3300
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-A1A5 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: William F. Wright, Jr.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 4, 1983, 22 hours before
- Departed: HOB, HOBBS, NM
- Airport: E32, Lindrith, runway 25, 3,450 × 75 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 200 total, 37 in this make and model, 20 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F

## 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 19830819045249A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830819045249A), Aug 19, 1983: Piper PA24250, Lindrith, NM, Substantial damage. Encountered windshear on short final. Struck a dirt bank short of the runway.

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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