# NTSB NYC84FA247: Piper PA-34-220T, N8345A, Newcomb, NY, July 17, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: July 16, 1984, 23:35 local (Jul 17, 1984, 03:35 UTC)
- Place: Newcomb, NY
- Coordinates: 43.940196, -74.160331 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.9402&lon=-74.1603&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35357
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC84FA247
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35357/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC84FA247

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - clouds
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - vfr procedures - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - descent - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - altitude - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent
  - light condition - dark night
  - visual lookout - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high terrain
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE FLIGHT WAS OPERATING IN ACCORDANCE WITH F.A.R. PART 135.THE PLT FILED A VFR FLT PLAN AND WAS CRUISING AT AN ALTITUDE OF 5,500 FT WHEN CLOUDS WERE ENCOUNTERED. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO DESCEND TO 3,500 BUT COLLIDED WITH THE SANTANONIMOUNTAIN AT AN ELEVATION OF 3500 FT. THE MOUNTAIN IS 4607 FT HIGH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8345A](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8345A-2012-11-27), registration cancelled 2012-11-27, S/N 34-8133026 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-34-220T
- Registry model: [Piper PA-34-220T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-34-220t) (registry code 7103420) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 34-8133026
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-360-KB 220 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Part 135
- Registered owner: Aero-Venture, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 27, 1984
- Departed: N87
- Destination: YUL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,510 total, 1,200 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Night/dark

## 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 19840716039709A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840716039709A), Jul 16, 1984: Piper PA34220T, Newcomb, NY, Destroyed. Descended into rising mountainous terrain. Struck mountain on flight path trying to stay below clouds.

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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