# NTSB FTW85LA273: Piper PA-32RT-300T, N21698, Brownsville, TX, July 7, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 6, 1985, 19:00 local (Jul 7, 1985, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Brownsville, TX
- Coordinates: 26.209901, -98.230194 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.2099&lon=-98.2302&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): 21788
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA273
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21788/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA273

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE PRACTICING TOUCH-AND-GO LANDINGS THE PLT ALLOWED THE ACFT TO DESCEND BELOW THE PROPER GLIDE SLOPE WHILE ON FINAL APCH. THE ACFT IMPACTED A POWER LINE APRX 1000 FT SHORT OF THE RWY AND CRASHED ON THE SIDE OF A DRAINAGE DITCH LEVEE. THE ELEVATION OF THE LINE WAS ABOUT 10 FT ABOVE THE HEIGHT OF AND ACROSS THE ROAD FROM THE LEVEE. THE PLT REPORTEDLY DOES NOT REMEMBER ANYTHING AFTER PASSING THE ELEVATION OF 400 FT AGL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N21698](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N21698-2012-08-24), registration cancelled 2012-08-24, S/N 32R-7887226, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32RT-300T (PA-32RT-30)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32RT-300T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32rt-300t) (registry code 7103216) (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: 32R7887226
- Airframe hours: 698
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-S1AD 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Joel Rodriquez
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Airport: BRO, Brownsville, runway 35, 6,000 × 150 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 50; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 244 total, 64 in this make and model, 155 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BRO

## 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 19850706029559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850706029559A), Jul 6, 1985: Piper PA32RT300T, Brownsville, TX, Substantial damage. Struck electrical line 1000 feet from approach end of runway and impacted the ground.

## Other investigations on N21698 (1)

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.

- [NTSB MIA79FLO32](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA79FLO32), Jan 16, 1979: Piper PA-32 (N21698), Vero Beach, FL, substantial damage

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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