# NTSB FTW90LA048: Piper PA-32-260, N3809W, Clinton, OK, December 28, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 28, 1989, 06:30 local (12:30 UTC)
- Place: Clinton, OK
- Coordinates: 35.499404, -98.970611 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.4994&lon=-98.9706&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 22, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23089
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW90LA048
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23089/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90LA048

## Probable cause

PILOTS FAILURE TO CORRECTLY MAINTAIN THE PROPER GLIDEPATH, WHICH CAUSED HIM TO IMPACT SHORT OF THE RUNWAY.

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - light condition - bright night
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach

## Analysis

DURING A BRIGHT NIGHT APPROACH THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN 12-15 FT SHORT OF THE RWY. THE PILOT STATED WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR AND THERE WAS NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE ACFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3809W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3809W), registered now, S/N 32-739, 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: 32-739
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Hart, Phillip L.
- Departed: OK16, OWASSO, OK
- Airport: CLK, Clinton Muni, runway 17, 4,400 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 960 total, 149 in this make and model, 960 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 180° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: CSM

## 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 19891228053699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891228053699A), Dec 28, 1989: Piper PA32260, Clinton, OK, Substantial damage. Damage occurred when aircraft was landed short of the runway during a night landing.

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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