# NTSB MKC85LA035: Piper PA-28R-201T, N3664M, Norfolk, NE, December 11, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 11, 1984, 00:55 local (06:55 UTC)
- Place: Norfolk, NE
- Coordinates: 42.030155, -97.410896 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.0302&lon=-97.4109&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33898
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85LA035
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33898/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA035

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise
  - electrical system,alternator - failure,total (contributing factor)
  - electrical system,battery - failure,total (contributing factor)
  - wheels up landing - intentional, pilot in command (cause)
  - emergency procedure - not followed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - runway

## Analysis

THE PLT CONFIRMED AN ALTERNATOR FAILURE A SHORT TIME AFTER DEPARTING FAIRMONT, CANCELLED HIS IFR CLEARANCE AND CONTINUED TO NORFOLK FOR LANDING. UPON REACHING HIS DESTINATION THE PLT WAS UNABLE TO EXTEND THE LANDING GEAR DUE TO THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE AND NO BATTERY POWER. THE PLT STATED HE USED INCORRECT PROCEDURES FOR GEAR EXTENSION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3664M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3664M), registered now, S/N 28R-7803184, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-201T (PA-28R-201)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-201T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-201t) (registry code 7102813) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental TSIO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-tsio-360-series) (registry code 17019, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7803184
- Airframe hours: 682
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-360-F 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William L. Burk
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 9, 1984, 21 hours before
- Departed: BURK, FAIRMONT, MN
- Destination: OFK, NORFOLK, NE
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: OFK, Norfolk, runway 13, 5,800 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,719 total, 689 in this make and model, 1,719 as pilot in command, 25 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 180° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: OFK

## 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 19841211065629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841211065629A), Dec 11, 1984: Piper PA28R201T, Norfolk, NE, Substantial damage. Alternator failed after takeoff. Continued flight. Battery ran down, wrong manual extension procedure used.

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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