# NTSB FTW83LA390: Piper PA-28-140, N9762W, Buffalo, OK, August 30, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 29, 1983, 21:30 local (Aug 30, 1983, 02:30 UTC)
- Place: Buffalo, OK
- Location: 36.8294° N, 99.6377° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Buffalo, OK, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.8294&lon=-99.6377&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21022
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW83LA390
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21022/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW83LA390

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - preflight briefing service - not used, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - procedures/directives - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, flight instructor(on ground)
  - inadequate initial training, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT HIT THE GROUND WHILE TRYING TO STAY VFR UNDER LOW CEILINGS AT NIGHT. THE STUDENT PLT WAS RETURNING FROM A X-COUNTRY, FOR WHICH HE HAD NO BRIEFING ON THE WEATHER, WHEN THE WEATHER BECAME WORSE. THE STUDENT PLT CIRCUMNAVIGATED SOME OF THE THUNDERSTORMS BUT CONTINUED TO FLY LOWER. HE SAID A DOWNDRAFT FORCED HIM INTO THE GROUND IN A WHEATFIELD. THE ACFT CARTWHEELED AND WAS DESTROYED. THE PLT CRAWLED OVER A MILE FROM THE WRECKAGE WHERE HE WAS FOUND SERIOUSLY INJURED 3 DAYS LATER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9762W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9762W-2013-03-21), registration cancelled 2013-03-21, S/N 28-23246, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-23246
- Airframe hours: 2900
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Eldred M. Harmon
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 1, 1982
- Departed: Q65, RATON, NM
- Destination: 3K1, ALVA, OK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, unknown; seat: left; flight hours: 1,500 total, 1,500 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 30° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GAG, 35 nm away

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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