# NTSB MKC85FA007: Piper PA-28-181, N8366C, Beeler, KS, October 13, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 12, 1984, 22:30 local (Oct 13, 1984, 03:30 UTC)
- Place: Beeler, KS
- Coordinates: 38.430446, -100.199157 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.4304&lon=-100.1992&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33805
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85FA007
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33805/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85FA007

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - preflight briefing service - not used, pilot in command
  - weather condition - haze/smoke (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - clouds (contributing factor)
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent
  - descent - intentional, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - level off - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of recent experience in type operation, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - ground

## Analysis

AT 1805 CDT THE PILOT RECEIVED A WX BRIEF FOR THE FIRST LEG OF WHAT WAS INTENDED TO BE A ROUND TRIP FLIGHT. NO WX BRIEFING WAS OBTAINED FOR THE RETURN TRIP. DESPITE VMC AT THE NEAREST OBSERVATION FACILITY, WITNESSES REPORTED HAZE AND LOW CLOUDS AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PILOT'S LOG INDICATED NO NIGHT TIME IN THE PRECEDING 6 MONTHS. EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED FLAPS EXTENDED ABOUT 25 DEGREES AND THE LDG LIGHT SWITCH 'ON'.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8366C (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 287690124
- Airframe hours: 981
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4M 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: D & S Machine & Welding, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 8, 1984, 15 hours before
- Departed: K95, ULYSSES, KS
- Destination: 48K, NESS CITY, KS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 147 total, 147 in this make and model, 23 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 130° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: DDC, 39 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 19841012058499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841012058499A), Oct 12, 1984: Piper PA28181, Beeler, KS, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Indicates loss of control on entering into deteriorating weather with low clouds, fog in area. IMC weather forecast

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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