# NTSB MIA83LA084: Piper PA-32R, N3898F, Cross City, FL, March 1, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 28, 1983, 21:50 local (Mar 1, 1983, 02:50 UTC)
- Place: Cross City, FL
- Coordinates: 29.630531, -83.119323 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.6305&lon=-83.1193&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30851
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA83LA084
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30851/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA83LA084

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - distance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES DURING A NIGHT LANDING ON A LONELY STRETCH OF COUNTRY ROAD. THE LANDING WAS AN ATTEMPT TO UNLOAD 662 POUNDS OF MARIJUANA IN AN ILLEGAL DRUG OPERATION.A PASSENGER WAS FATALLY INJURED AND THE INJURED PILOT WAS FOUND LATER IN THE LOCAL HOSPITAL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3898F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3898F-2012-11-14), registration cancelled 2012-11-14, S/N 32R-7680418, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32R
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32R-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32r-300) (registry code 7103213) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-7680418
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-KIA5D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Registered owner: Lauren D. Tucker
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: UNK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 250° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,400 ft overcast
- Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GNV, 57 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 19830228009089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830228009089A), Feb 28, 1983: Piper PA32R300, Cross City, FL, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck trees trying to land on a deserted road at dark. Airplane carried a 1000 lb. Cargo of marijuana.

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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