# NTSB NYC86FA048: Piper PA-28, N652FL, Selinsgrove, PA, December 5, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 5, 1985, 15:14 local (20:14 UTC)
- Place: Selinsgrove, PA
- Coordinates: 40.800411, -76.859718 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.8004&lon=-76.8597&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30173
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86FA048
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30173/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86FA048

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - altitude - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - wire,static
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight control,rudder - loss,partial
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE AFCT WAS SEEN FLYING AT LOW ALT BEFORE IT COLLIDED WITH UNMARKED TRANSMISSION LINES AT A HEIGHT OF 170 FT AGL. THE ACFT PITCHED UP AND THEN DESCENDED TO THE GROUND. THE TOP OF THE RUDDER AND VERTICAL STABILATOR WERE SEVERED FROM THE ACFT. THE COLLISION OCCURRED ABOUT 500 FT FROM THE PLT'S HOME. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT DID NOT DISCLOSE EVIDENCE OF ANY MALFUNCTION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N652FL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N652FL-2014-11-12), registration cancelled 2014-11-12, S/N 28-7125565, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7125565
- Airframe hours: 5207
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: York Aero Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 15, 1985, 56 hours before
- Departed: CXY, HARRISBURG, PA
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 38; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, unknown; seat: left; flight hours: 119 total, 21 in this make and model, 55 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 70° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,500 ft broken
- Temperature: 32 °F, dew point 21 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: IPT

## 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 19851205077449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851205077449A), Dec 5, 1985: Piper PA28140, Selinsgrove, PA, Destroyed. Aircraft struck powerlines. Pilot was flying at a low altitude near his house. Aircraft impacted ground.

## Other investigations on N652FL (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 NYC78FGT13](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC78FGT13), Aug 21, 1978: Piper PA-28 (N652FL), Thomasville, PA, destroyed

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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