# NTSB NYC86LA185: Piper PA-28-140, N32777, Lock Haven, PA, July 16, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 16, 1986, 12:25 local (16:25 UTC)
- Place: Lock Haven, PA
- Coordinates: 41.129852, -77.45034 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.1299&lon=-77.4503&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30384
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86LA185
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30384/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA185

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with terrain/water, climb - to cruise
  - terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total instrument time, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - ifr procedure - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - daylight

## Analysis

THE PILOT MADE A DEPARTURE FROM AN UNCONTROLLED AIRPORT. DURING THE CLIMB IN IMC CONDITIONS, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK TREES AND CRASHED. THE AIRCRAFT RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE AND THE PILOT RECEIVED SERIOUS INJURIES. THE PILOT HAD A CLEARANCE, HOWEVER, THE CLOUDS DID NOT PERMIT A VFR CLIMB TO ALTITUDE. THE PILOT ENTERED THE CLOUDS WITHOUT EXACT KNOWLEDGE OF HIS POSITION OR AN APPROVED DEPARTURE PROCEDURE. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED IN UNCONTROLLED AIRSPACE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N32777](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N32777-1989-07-25), registration cancelled 1989-07-25, S/N 287525111 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-140
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7525111
- Airframe hours: 2235
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John D. Yatsko
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 26, 1986
- Departed: LHV, LOCK HAVEN, PA
- Destination: HZL, HAZELTON, PA
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 862 total, 735 in this make and model, 766 as pilot in command, 47 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,000 ft unknown

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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