# NTSB NYC04LA071: Piper PA-32-260, N1563X, Collegeville, PA, February 9, 2004 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 8, 2004, 19:45 local (Feb 9, 2004, 00:45 UTC) - Place: Collegeville, PA - Coordinates: 40.203887, -75.43 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.2039&lon=-75.4300&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report March 30, 2005 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 58755 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC04LA071 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/58755/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04LA071 ## Probable cause The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees during approach to the runway. Factors in the accident were the dark night and snowbank. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach - object - tree(s) - altitude/clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - light condition - dark night (contributing factor) - In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach - terrain condition - snowbank (contributing factor) ## Analysis While on final approach at night, the airplane's right wing struck one or more limbs of a tree. The pilot continued toward the runway and struck a snowbank 100 feet prior to the runway threshold, sheering off the right landing gear. The pilot applied power, continued to fly down the runway to observe further obstructions, and then returned to land on the departure end of the runway. As the airplane touched down, it swerved off the right side of the runway, and came to rest in the grass. According to the Northeast U.S. Airport Facility Directory, a "tree" notation is listed for runway 27 at N10. ## Factual narrative On February 8, 2004, at 1945 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32-260, N1563X, was substantially damaged during landing at the Perkiomen Valley Airport (N10), Collegeville, Pennsylvania. The certificated commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan was filed for the flight which originated at the Florence Regional Airport (FLO), Florence, South Carolina. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, while on final approach for runway 27 at N10, the airplane's right wing "apparently struck one or more limbs of a tree." The pilot continued toward the runway and struck "an object" at the end of the runway, sheering off the right landing gear. The pilot applied power, and continued to fly down the runway to observe further obstructions. He then returned to land on runway 09. As the airplane touched down, it swerved off the right side of the runway, and came to rest in the grass. Examination of the accident scene by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the airplane struck trees at the approach end of runway 27, as well as a snowbank 100 feet prior to the runway threshold. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the right wing, and tree bark imbedded in the fuselage section. According to the Northeast U.S. Airport Facility Directory, a "tree" notation was listed for runway 27 at N10. Additionally, runway 27 was a 2,950-foot long, and 40-foot wide runway, with a displaced threshold. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N1563X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1563X-2019-08-09), registration cancelled 2019-08-09, S/N 32-7500037, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-32-260 - Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 32-7500037 - Airframe hours: 4568 - Engines: Lycoming O-540 260 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: David Prewitt - Registered owner: 1563X Partnership - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 17, 2003 - Departed: FLO, Florence, SC - Destination: N10, Collegeville, PA - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: N10, Perkiomen Valley Airport, runway 27, 2,950 × 40 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 64; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review October 23, 2002; seat: left; flight hours: 3,821 total, 1,700 in this make and model, 38 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 27 °F, dew point 10 °F - Altimeter: 30.48 inHg - Observed at: PTW, 6 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 20040208002009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20040208002009A), Feb 8, 2004: Piper PA32260, Collegeville, PA, Substantial damage. (-23) While attempting to land on runway 27 at Perkiomen Valley Airport (N10), on final approach the aircraft struck a tree about 70 feet short of the runway… ## Other investigations on N1563X (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 ERA19TA111](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA19TA111), Feb 28, 2019: Piper PA32 (N1563X), West Palm Beach (Atlantic Ocean), substantial damage. Probable cause: A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence, which resulted in a ditched landing in the ocean. - [NTSB NYC78DHD07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC78DHD07), Feb 27, 1978: Piper PA-32 (N1563X), West Chester, PA, 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.