# NTSB MKC84FA084: Piper PA-31P, N33BP, El Dorado, AR, February 26, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: February 26, 1984, 14:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: El Dorado, AR
- Coordinates: 33.210659, -92.660202 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.2107&lon=-92.6602&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33515
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC84FA084
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33515/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC84FA084

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - ifr procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - minimum descent altitude - below, pilot in command (cause)
  - missed approach - not performed, pilot in command
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT CRASHED INTO TREES 2 MILES SHORT OF THE RWY DURING AN INSTRUMENT APPROACH IN IMC WEATHER. A PLT IN THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT SAID THAT JUST PRIOR TO IMPACT, THE ACFT WAS DESCENDING AT 2500 FPM, & WHEN HE LOOKED AHEAD, HE SAW TREES. HESAID HE YELLED AT THE PLT TO 'PULL UP' BUT THE PLT DID NOT REACT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N33BP (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-31P
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 31P7400197
- Airframe hours: 2328
- Engines: LYCOMING TIGO-541-E1A 425 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Executive/Corporate, Part 91
- Registered owner: Vivian Industrial Plastics,Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 8, 1984
- Departed: MEM, MEMPHIS, TN
- Destination: 3F4, VIVIAN, LA
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: ELD, Goodwin, runway 22, 6,600 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; flight instructor, 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: 6,000 total, 75 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 11 knots, gusting 15
- Lowest ceiling: 400 ft
- Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ELD, 2 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 19840226004969A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840226004969A), Feb 26, 1984: Piper PA31P, El Dorado, AR, Destroyed. Struck trees during a localizer approach in heavy rain turbulence and lighting. Pilot was advised of thunderstorm.

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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