# NTSB MIA86LA039: Piper PA-28-181, N136AV, Cedar Key, FL, December 1, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 30, 1985, 19:55 local (Dec 1, 1985, 00:55 UTC)
- Place: Cedar Key, FL
- Coordinates: 29.139852, -83.029502 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.1399&lon=-83.0295&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor, 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31552
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA86LA039
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31552/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA86LA039

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, landing - flare/touchdown
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PLT WAS ATTEMPTING A NIGHT LANDING ON HIS FIRST NIGHT X-COUNTRY & HAD NOT LANDED AT THIS APRT PRIOR TO THIS TIME. HE STATED THAT DURING THE FLARE, HE WAS CAUGHT BY A X-WIND & BLOWN INTO THE TREES ADJACENT TO THE RWY. SURFACE WINDS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT WERE REPORTED AS 340 DEGS AT 5 KNTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N136AV](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N136AV), registered now, S/N 28-8590004, built 1984 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-8590004
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Steven R. Feigeles
- Registered owner: Eldon J. Frost
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Departed: TPA, TAMPA, FL
- Destination: CDK, CEDAR KEY, FL
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: CDK, George T. Lewis, runway 5, 2,400 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 85 total, 4 in this make and model, 35 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 340° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GNV, 54 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 19851130075819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851130075819A), Nov 30, 1985: Piper PA28181, Cedar Key, FL, Substantial damage. Drifted off runway during a go around and struck a tree. Impacted ground upside down.

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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