# NTSB FTW84LA350: Piper PA-32-260, N3962W, Minden, LA, August 17, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 16, 1984, 20:55 local (Aug 17, 1984, 01:55 UTC)
- Place: Minden, LA
- Coordinates: 32.61045, -93.280021 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.6105&lon=-93.2800&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 5 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21427
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW84LA350
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21427/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW84LA350

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - stall/mush - not corrected, dual student (cause)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

DURING A NIGHT INSTRUCTIONAL FLT ON LANDING APPROACH, THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT REPORTED THAT THE STUDENT OVER CORRECTED FOR A HIGH APPROACH BY CLOSING THE THROTTLE. THE ACFT HIT THE GROUND BEFORE HE COULD ESTABLISH CONTROL OF THE RESULTING HIGH RATE OF SINK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3962W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3962W-2013-08-13), registration cancelled 2013-08-13, S/N 32-940, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-260
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-940
- Airframe hours: 2997
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: G. W. Lary
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 9, 1984, 19 hours before
- Airport: F24, Minden, runway 1, 5,000 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 19; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 375 total, 3 in this make and model, 283 as pilot in command, 101 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SHV, 30 nm away

## 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 19840816043819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840816043819A), Aug 16, 1984: Piper PA32260, Minden, LA, Substantial damage. Aircraft hit brush then fence during night approach for landing. Instructor could not correct for students action.

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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