# NTSB MKC89FA156: Piper PA-24-250, N5379P, Medicine Lodge, KS, July 9, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 9, 1989, 08:45 local (13:45 UTC)
- Place: Medicine Lodge, KS
- Coordinates: 37.280963, -98.580299 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.2810&lon=-98.5803&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 3 fatal
- Status: Completed, report December 10, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34690
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89FA156
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34690/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89FA156

## Probable cause

THE PILOT MISJUDGED CLEARANCE ABOVE A HOUSE (RESIDENCE) THAT HE WAS BUZZING AND ALLOWED THE AIRCRAFT TO COLLIDE WITH THE ATTACHED ANTENNA.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - buzzing - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - residence
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

A WITNESS RPRTD THAT HE HEARD THE ACFT FLY OVER HIS HOUSE FROM WEST TO EAST, SO HE & HIS FAMILY WENT OUT ONTO THE DECK ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE HOUSE. THE ACFT THEN APCHD THE HOUSE FROM THE EAST AT LOW ALTITUDE. AS THE ACFT WENT OVER THE HOUSE AGAIN, ITS RIGHT WING HIT THE TOP OF AN ATTACHED TV ANTENNA, APRX 48 FT ABOVE THE GROUND. THE ACFT THEN CRASHED ABOUT 1650 FT FROM THE HOUSE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5379P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5379P-1992-08-20), registration cancelled 1992-08-20, S/N 24429 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-24-250
- Registry model: [Piper PA-24-250](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-250) (registry code 7102404) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24-429
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-A1C5 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Dale, Matthew
- Registered owner: Dale, Matt
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 24, 1989
- Departed: K51, MEDICINE LODGE, KS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 359 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: DDC, 76 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 19890709020849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890709020849A), Jul 9, 1989: Piper PA24250, Medicine Lodge, KS, Destroyed, 3 fatal. Severed a wing on residential television antenna approximately forty eight feet above the surface.

## Other investigations on N5379P (2)

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.

- [NTSB DIA69F0129](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DIA69F0129), Dec 18, 1968: Piper PA-24 (N5379P), Sandston, VA, substantial damage
- [NTSB NYC66F0577](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC66F0577), Mar 7, 1966: Piper PA-24 (N5379P), Sandston, VA, substantial damage

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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