# NTSB FTW88LA013: Piper PA-12, N4045M, Brownsville, TX, October 25, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 24, 1987, 21:45 local (Oct 25, 1987, 02:45 UTC)
- Place: Brownsville, TX
- Location: 25.9017° N, 97.4975° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Brownsville, TX, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=25.9017&lon=-97.4975&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 16, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22587
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW88LA013
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22587/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW88LA013

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, maneuvering
  - terrain condition - water (contributing factor)
  - altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE CIRCLING AN UNLIGHTED PRIVATE AIRSTRIP, THE PILOT ALLOWED THE AIRCRAFT TO DESCEND INTO 2 FEET OF WATER CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4045M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4045M), registered now, S/N 12-2928, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-12
- Registry model: [Piper PA-12](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-12) (registry code 7101202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O-320-A2B](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-320-a2b) (registry code 42101, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 12-3535
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert T. Owens
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 5, 1987
- Departed: LRD, LAREDO, TX
- Destination: BROWNSVILLE, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 43; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 295 total, 285 in this make and model, 262 as pilot in command, 31 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 110° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 73 °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 19871024063229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871024063229A), Oct 24, 1987: Piper PA12, Brownsville, TX, Substantial damage. Circled unlighted private strip. Unknown to pilot aircraft descended into the adjacent intercostal Waterway.

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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