# NTSB MIA89LA198: Piper PA-34-200, N1032U, Fort Myers, FL, March 9, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 8, 1989, 21:45 local (Mar 9, 1989, 02:45 UTC)
- Place: Fort Myers, FL
- Coordinates: 26.560667, -81.870101 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.5607&lon=-81.8701&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 32461
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA89LA198
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/32461/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA89LA198

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO SEE AND AVOID OBSTRUCTIONS AS HE TAXIED FROM THE RAMP AREA. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE DARK LIGHT CONDITIONS WHICH DEGRADED THE PILOT'S VISUAL PERCEPTION.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, taxi - to takeoff
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual/aural perception, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - airport facility
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ACFT STRUCK A CURB IN AN AUTOMOBILE PARKING AREA AS THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO REVERSE COURSE AND EXIT THE AREA WHICH HE HAD MISTAKENLY TAXIED INTO.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1032U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1032U-2015-04-30), registration cancelled 2015-04-30, S/N 34-7250013, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-34-200
- Registry model: [Piper PA-34-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-34-200) (registry code 7103405) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 34-7250013
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1E6 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Francis, Sam, doing business as Blue Wings, Inc.
- Registered owner: Blue Wings, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: LNA, LANTANA, FL
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: FMY, Page Field

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,126 total, 7 in this make and model, 103 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 30° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FMY

## 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 19890308025839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890308025839A), Mar 8, 1989: Piper PA34200, Ft Myers, FL, Substantial damage. While turning in poorly lighted parking area left gear hit concrete abutment and collapsed. Minor damage.

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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