# NTSB NYC85LA033: Piper PA-32-300, N31699, Prospectville, PA, November 25, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 25, 1984, 17:10 local (22:10 UTC)
- Place: Prospectville, PA
- Location: 40.2118° N, 75.1857° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Prospectville, PA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.2118&lon=-75.1857&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35653
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC85LA033
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35653/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA033

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - altitude - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper touchdown point - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - fatigue(flight schedule), pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dusk (contributing factor)
  - landing gear - overload
  - go-around - performed, pilot in command
  - performed, pilot in command
  - wheels up landing - intentional, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PLT STATED HE ALLOWED THE ACFT TO GO LOW ON FINAL APPROACH. COLLISION WITH TERRAIN SEPARATED THE LANDING GEAR BUT PLT RECOVERED CONTROL AS ACFT REBOUNDED AND EXECUTED A SUCCESSFUL GO-AROUND. PLT DIVERTED WITH ESCORT TO NEARBY MILITARY ARPT WHERE CFR FACILITIES WERE AVAILABLE AND PERFORMED A SUCCESSFUL NO WHEELS LNDG. PLT STATED HE HAD FLOWN 4.5 HOURS UNDER HOOD (IFR TRAINING), INCLUDING 7 APPROACHES, DURING A 250 MI CROSS-COUNTRY EARLIER IN THE DAY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N31699](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N31699), registered now, S/N 32-7840142, built 1948 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-300
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-300) (registry code 7103212) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32-7840142
- Airframe hours: 1400
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1G5D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Pjp Aero
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: ISP, ISLIP, NY
- Airport: N34, Turner Field, runway 14, 2,126 × 49 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 705 total, 435 in this make and model, 375 as pilot in command, 27 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19841125063409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841125063409A), Nov 25, 1984: Piper PA32300, Prospectville, PA, Substantial damage. Pilot made low approach and sheared off nose and right main gear. Flew to adjacent airport for landing.

## Other investigations on N31699 (1)

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 IAD98LA040](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98LA040), Mar 28, 1998: Piper PA-32-300 (N31699), Red Hook, NY, substantial damage. Probable cause: inadequate compensation for the crosswind by the pilot, and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing. Related factors were: the gusty crosswind condition, and high vegetation…

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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