# NTSB NYC87FA021: Piper PA-28-235, N33808, Jamestown, NY, October 18, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 18, 1986, 08:20 local (12:20 UTC)
- Place: Jamestown, NY
- Coordinates: 42.089984, -79.230827 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.0900&lon=-79.2308&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30470
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC87FA021
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30470/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87FA021

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, takeoff
  - weather condition - fog
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command
- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - weather evaluation - not understood, pilot in command (cause)
  - motivation, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - high vegetation
  - became lost/disoriented - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
  - inadequate training, pilot in command

## Analysis

THE NON-INST RATED PLT HAD RECEIVED A TELEPHONE WX BRIEFING PRIOR TO THE PLANNED FLT. MARGINAL VFR WX WAS FORECAST FOR THE ROUTE WITH VIS 1/8 MILE AND FOG. THE ACFT WAS LOCATED APRX 24 HRS LATER IN A HEAVILY WOODED AREA ABOUT 200 YDS EAST OF AND PARALLEL TO THE DEPARTURE RWY. INSPECTION OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED NO PREIMPACT DAMAGE OR MALFUNCTIONS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N33808](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N33808-1990-08-31), registration cancelled 1990-08-31, S/N 287510065 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-235
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-235) (registry code 7102810) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 75-10065
- Airframe hours: 888
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B4B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: David C. Moehrle
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: JHW, JAMESTOWN, NY
- Destination: TDZ, TOLEDO, OH
- Airport: JHW, Chautauqua, runway 25, 5,300 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 823 total, 425 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,800 ft broken
- Temperature: 34 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: JHW, 2 nm away

## 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 19861018049239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861018049239A), Oct 18, 1986: Piper PA28235, Jamestown, NY, Destroyed, 1 fatal. The aircraft struck trees shortly after liftoff. The VFR pilot was attempting takeoff in IFR conditions.

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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