# NTSB MKC88FA120: Piper PA-28-160, N5517W, Beedeville, AR, July 2, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 2, 1988, 17:40 local (22:40 UTC)
- Place: Beedeville, AR
- Coordinates: 35.430496, -91.111 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.4305&lon=-91.1110&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 11, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34497
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC88FA120
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34497/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC88FA120

## Probable cause

INTENTIONAL BUZZING PERFORMED, VISUAL OUTLOOK NOT MAINTAINED AND OVER CONFIDENCE IN PERSONAL ABILITY BY THE PILOT IN COMMAND.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - wire,static (contributing factor)
  - buzzing - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ostentatious display, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WHILE INTENTIONALLY BUZZING AN ACQUAINTANCE'S RURAL RESIDENCE, THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH POWER LINES, SHEARING THE RIGHT WING, THEN DESCENDED UNCONTROLLED TO THE TERRAIN. NO ABNORMALITIES WERE DISCOVERED IN THE AIRFRAME OR POWERPLANT DURING THE POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5517W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5517W-2013-06-27), registration cancelled 2013-06-27, S/N 28-606, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-160
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-160](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-160) (registry code 7102806) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-606
- Airframe hours: 1445
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: S.H.C Flying Service Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 3, 1987, 165 hours before
- Departed: NEWPORT, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 22; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, unknown; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 9 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: JBR, 30 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 19880702024759A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880702024759A), Jul 2, 1988: Piper PA28160, Beedeville, AR, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Struck a powerline and crashed while buzzing friends on the ground. Student pilot was carrying passenger.

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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