# NTSB MIA86LA161: Piper PA-28R-180, N4986J, Tallahassee, FL, May 16, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 16, 1986, 18:45 local (22:45 UTC)
- Place: Tallahassee, FL
- Coordinates: 30.43016, -84.260337 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.4302&lon=-84.2603&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31635
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA86LA161
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31635/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA86LA161

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
  - go-around - not performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment

## Analysis

WHILE ON FINAL APCH THE ACFT WAS BLOWN TO THE RIGHT OF THE RWY WHERE THE LEFT WING STRUCK A DIRT MOUND. THE ACFT THEN SPUN TO THE LEFT AND CAME TO REST APRX 75 FT FROM THE EDGE OF THE RWY. THE PLT STATED THAT HE DECIDED TO TRY AND SALVAGE THE LANDING DURING THE APCH INSTEAD OF GOING AROUND AS APRX 2/3 OF THE RWY LENGTH REMAINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4986J](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4986J), registered now, S/N 28R-30740, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-180) (registry code 7102809) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R-30740
- Airframe hours: 942
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-B1E 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Cherokee Ddp,Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 1986, 58 hours before
- Departed: TLH, TALLAHASSEE, FL
- Destination: 68J
- Airport: 68J, Tallahassee Commercial, runway 16, 3,000 × 50 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--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 97 total, 25 in this make and model, 51 as pilot in command, 19 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TLH, 10 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 19860516086689A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860516086689A), May 16, 1986: Piper PA28R180, Tallahassee, FL, Substantial damage. The pilot reported a gust of wind lifted the wing at touchdown. The aircraft veered left and hit a dirt mound.

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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