# NTSB MIA86LA251: Piper PA-28-161, N8200Z, Sanford, FL, September 23, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 23, 1986, 08:07 local (12:07 UTC)
- Place: Sanford, FL
- Coordinates: 28.810178, -81.329528 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.8102&lon=-81.3295&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31706
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA86LA251
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31706/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA86LA251

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - approach light/navaid
  - airport facilities,runway marking - inadequate (contributing factor)
  - runway maintenance - inadequate, airport personnel (contributing factor)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

WHILE ON APPROACH TO RUNWAY THE PILOTS VISION WAS RESTRICTED BY THE GLARE FROM THE RISING SUN. THE PILOT FAILED TO SEE THE OPERATING APPROACH LIGHT SYSTEM WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE CLOSED FIRST 2000 FEET OF RUNWAY, AND COLLIDED WITH THE APPROACH LIGHT SYSTEM. CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT WAS MAINTAINED AND A NORMAL LANDING WAS MADE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8200Z](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8200Z), registered now, S/N 28-8016320, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-161
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-161](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-161) (registry code 7102803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-8016320
- Airframe hours: 4012
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Patrick Afb Aero Club
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, February 7, 1986, 39 hours before
- Departed: COF, PATRICK AFB, FL
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: SFB, Sanford, runway 9, 8,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 59; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 831 total, 577 in this make and model, 768 as pilot in command, 14 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SFB

## 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 19860923075789A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860923075789A), Sep 23, 1986: Piper PA28161, Sanford, FL, Substantial damage. Collided with approach lights during landing into sun. VASI not used by pilot. Overrun not adequately marked.

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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