# NTSB NYC84FA108: Piper PA-28R-200, N5022S, Groton, CT, March 14, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: March 14, 1984, 03:00 local (08:00 UTC)
- Place: Groton, CT
- Location: 41.3301° N, 72.0451° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at GROTON-NEW LONDON (GON), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.3301&lon=-72.0451&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35323
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC84FA108
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35323/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC84FA108

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, approach
  - flight into known adverse weather - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - rain (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - high wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)
  - ifr procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper glidepath - not maintained, pilot in command
  - decision height - not identified, pilot in command
  - missed approach - not performed, pilot in command
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - faf/outer marker to threshold (ifr)

## Analysis

THE PLT RECEIVED 2 WX BRIEFINGS PRIOR TO DEPARTING & BOTH CALLED FOR LOW CEILINGS. DURING ARRIVAL AT THE DESTINATION, THE PLT REQUESTED & WAS CLEARED FOR AN ILS APCH TO RWY 5. WHILE ON THE APCH, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A SMALL TREE & CRASHED. THE WRECKAGE CAME TO REST AT ABOUT 690 FT SOUTH OF THE THRESHOLD OF RWY 5 (RIGHT OF THE EXTENDED RWY CENTER- LINE). AN EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED NO PREIMPACT PART FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION. THE 0145 EST WX WAS: SKY PARTIALLY OBSCURED, 900 FT OVERCAST, VISIBILITY 1-1/4 MI WITH RAIN & FOG, WIND 160 DEG AT 25 GUSTING 40 KTS. ACCORDING TO THE POLICE, THE WX REMAINED WINDY & RAINY UNTIL 0315 EST.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5022S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5022S-2013-03-19), registration cancelled 2013-03-19, S/N 28R-35757, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-200
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-200) (registry code 7102811) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R 35757
- Airframe hours: 3864
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1C 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Ralph S. Woollett
- Registered owner: Titusville Aero Leasing, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 17, 1983
- Departed: DCA, WASHINGTON, DC
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: GON, Croton New London, runway 5, 5,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 67; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; toxicology performed

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 160° at 25 knots, gusting 40
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 900 ft overcast
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GON

## 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 19840314005579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840314005579A), Mar 14, 1984: Piper PA28R200, Groton, CT, Destroyed. Lost control on ILS short final and struck trees and ground. Ground fog and lack of skill are factors.

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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