# NTSB MKC85LA170: Piper PA-28-181, N8089C, Leon, IA, July 27, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 27, 1985, 11:15 local (16:15 UTC)
- Place: Leon, IA
- Coordinates: 40.739513, -93.749252 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.7395&lon=-93.7493&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33998
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC85LA170
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33998/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC85LA170

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - downdraft (contributing factor)
  - distance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - fence (contributing factor)
- Main gear collapsed, landing
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT WHEN HE WAS ON FINAL APCH TO LAND, THE ACFT ENCOUNTERED A DOWNDRAFT & ITS RATE OF DESCENT INCREASED. HE APPLIED POWER TO CORRECT THE SITUATION, BUT THE LEFT MAIN GEAR HIT A FENCE POST APRX 10 FT SHORT OF THE RWY & FAILED. SUBSEQUENTLY, WHEN THE ACFT WAS LANDED, IT SETTLED ON ITS LEFT WING & WAS FURTHER DAMAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8089C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8089C), registered now, S/N 28-7690102 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7690102
- Airframe hours: 1430
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-AM4 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John J. Meyers
- Registered owner: Whitfield Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 10, 1985, 80 hours before
- Departed: CNC, CHARITON, IA
- Airport: Marshall Warren Private, runway 18, 2,600 ×  ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 73 total, 8 in this make and model, 43 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19850727062429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850727062429A), Jul 27, 1985: Piper PA28181, Leon, IA, Substantial damage. Struck a fence post on final. Landed on the runway minus the left main landing gear. Blamed a downdraft.

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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