# NTSB FTW88FA023: Piper PA-32-260, N3666W, Fulton, TX, November 4, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: November 4, 1987, 11:18 local (17:18 UTC)
- Place: Fulton, TX
- Coordinates: 28.069595, -97.040077 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.0696&lon=-97.0401&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 26, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22524
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW88FA023
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22524/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW88FA023

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, climb - to cruise
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight briefing service - not used, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather evaluation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - initiated, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, climb - to cruise
  - vacuum system - inoperative (contributing factor)
  - flight/nav instruments,attitude gyro - inoperative (contributing factor)
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
  - maintenance,replacement - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - water,glassy

## Analysis

ACFT DEPARTED IN CONDITIONS OF LOW CEILING AND VISIBILITY WITH A STUDENT PLT AND PAX ON BOARD. WITNESSES AT THE ARPT ESTIMATED THE CEILING AS 150 TO 300 FT OVC WITH 1/8 TO 1/4 MILE VIS IN FOG. AFTER LIFT OFF THE ACFT ENTERED THE FOG IN A RT CLIMBING TURN AND REAPPEARED OVER THE RUNWAY HEADING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION AT VERY LOW ALTITUDE. WITNESSES ON THE BEACH, ABOUT 1/2 MILE FROM THE ARPT STATED THAT THE WEATHER WAS 'POOR AND FOGGY'. THEY OBSERVED THE ACFT IMPACT THE WATER IN A RT BANK AND DISAPPEAR. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE ENG DRIVEN VACUUM PUMP WAS INOPERATIVE AT THE TIME OF T/O. THE PUMP HAD A SHEARED DRIVE SHAFT THAT EXHIBITED CONSIDERABLE WEAR. IN ADDITION, THE PUMP VANES WERE EXCESSIVELY WORN AND ONE VANE WAS FOUND JAMMED BETWEEN THE ROTOR AND THE CASE. DETAILED EXAMINATION OF THE PUMP REVEALED THAT IT HAD BEEN INOPERATIVE FOR SOME TIME PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3666W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3666W-2012-09-20), registration cancelled 2012-09-20, S/N 32-574, built 1966 (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: 32-574
- Airframe hours: 5423
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: C. F. Brown, doing business as Brown Construction Co.
- Registered owner: Brown, C.F.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 4, 1986, 102 hours before
- Departed: RKP, ROCKPORT, TX
- Destination: FREEPORT, TX
- Airport: RKP, Aransas County, runway 26, 4,500 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 100 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 4 knots
- Lowest ceiling: 300 ft overcast
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19871104062269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871104062269A), Nov 4, 1987: Piper PA32260, Rockport, TX, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Took off into low ceiling and fog. Lost control and crashed in nearby gulf. Vacuum pump inop. No CFI endorsements.

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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