# NTSB MIA87FA080: Piper PA-28-161, N3655M, Venice, FL, February 1, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 1, 1987, 13:37 local (18:37 UTC)
- Place: Venice, FL
- Location: 27.1170° N, 82.4152° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Venice, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.1170&lon=-82.4152&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal
- Status: Completed, report April 25, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31749
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA87FA080
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31749/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA87FA080

## Analysis

AIRCRAFT WAS SEEN MANEUVERING AT BETWEEN 200 AND 300 FEET IN ATTEMPTS TO LOCATE A LOST RADIO CONTROLLED MODEL AIRPLANE. AS THE AIRCRAFT COMPLETED 2 AND ONE HALF TURNS IT LEVELED OUT AND BEGAN A CLIMB TO THE NORTH AT WHICH TIME IT COLLIDED WITH A 504 FOOT TELEVISION TOWER.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, climb
  - object - electrical tower(marked)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - high vegetation

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3655M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3655M-1989-07-15), registration cancelled 1989-07-15, S/N 287816362 (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)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: PA28161
- Airframe hours: 3452
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Venice Flying Service
- Registered owner: Venice Flying Service Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: AAIP, January 19, 1986, 7 hours before
- Departed: VNC, VENICE, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 20,000 total, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SRQ, 20 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 19870201001809A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870201001809A), Feb 1, 1987: Piper PA28161, Venice, FL, Destroyed, 3 fatal. The aircraft hit a radio tower during low level operations. Pilot failed to maintain safe obstacle clearance.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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