# NTSB MKC87FA078: Lake LA-4-200, N2847P, Nixa, MO, April 12, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 12, 1987, 15:20 local (20:20 UTC)
- Place: Nixa, MO
- Coordinates: 37.039379, -93.289749 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.0394&lon=-93.2897&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report May 27, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34285
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC87FA078
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34285/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87FA078

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - wind information - not obtained, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, go-around (vfr)
  - go-around - attempted, pilot in command
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE NORMAL PROCEDURE FOR OPERATING AT THIS AIRSTRIP WAS TO ALWAYS TAKE OFF TO THE EAST AND LAND TO THE WEST WHEN WINDS WERE NOT EXCESSIVE. WINDS ELSEWHERE IN AREA WERE FROM SOUTHEAST AT 13 KNOTS WHILE AT THIS STRIP, THEY WERE FROM THE EAST AT 30 KNOTS. AFTER APPROACH FROM THE EAST, PILOT MADE A GO-AROUND AND STARTED A LEFT TURN AND HIT THE TOP OF A TREE AND THEN THE TERRAIN. THE LINE OF TREES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY STOPPED AFTER THE ONE THAT THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2847P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2847P-1997-02-26), registration cancelled 1997-02-26, S/N 926 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: LAKE LA-4-200
- Registry model: [Consolidated Aeronautics LAKE LA-4-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/consolidated-aeronautics-lake-la-4-200) (registry code 2400108) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 926
- Airframe hours: 588
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-A1B 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Joseph B. Carroll
- Registered owner: Joseph B. Carroll
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: SGF, SPRINGFIELD, MO
- Airport: Private Strip, runway 27, 2,300 ×  ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 400 total, 125 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SGF, 10 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 19870412060889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870412060889A), Apr 12, 1987: Conaer LA4200, Nixa, MO, Destroyed, 2 fatal. Struck a tree while attempting a downwind landing. Airport procedure called for landing west, departing east.

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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