# NTSB MKC87FA159: Piper PA-28-151, N32619, Maquoketa, IA, August 8, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 8, 1987, 18:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Maquoketa, IA
- Coordinates: 42.059013, -90.659301 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.0590&lon=-90.6593&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34298
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC87FA159
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34298/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87FA159

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

AFTER DEPARTING THE MAQUOKETA MUNI ARPT, THE ACFT WAS OBSERVED TO FLY AT LOW ALTITUDE OVER SOME BUILDINGS THAT INCLUDED A HOUSE & TRAILER HOME. AS THE ACFT FLEW OVER THE PROPERTY IN A LEFT BANKING TURN, THE LEFT WING STRUCK THE TOP OF A TREE & THEN THE ACFT CRASHED. FRIENDS OF THE PLT WERE HAVING A PARTY AT THE RESIDENCE. THEY RPRTD THAT AFTER THE PLT MADE A LOW PASS, HE WAS TO LAND & PARTAKE IN THE ACTIVITIES. A EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF A PREIMPACT MECHANICAL PROBLEM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N32619](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N32619-1989-02-06), registration cancelled 1989-02-06, S/N 287515203 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-151
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-151](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-151) (registry code 7102805) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7515203
- Airframe hours: 4752
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Al Beyer, doing business as Maquoketa Aviation, Inc.
- Registered owner: Bernadette M. Martin
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 5, 1987, 95 hours before
- Departed: OQW, MAQUOKETA, IA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 243 total, 134 in this make and model, 211 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 9,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CID, 51 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 19870808042929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870808042929A), Aug 8, 1987: Piper PA28151, Maquoketa, IA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck a tree while buzzing friends. Impact severed a wing fuselage hit dirt bank. Failed to use should harness.

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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