# NTSB NYC88DGM03: Piper PA-28-161, N8318L, Spartansburg, PA, November 14, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: November 14, 1987, 10:07 local (15:07 UTC)
- Place: Spartansburg, PA
- Coordinates: 41.400432, -75.659957 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.4004&lon=-75.6600&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report November 2, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35971
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC88DGM03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35971/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88DGM03

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, maneuvering
  - weather condition - fog (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - flight controls - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total instrument time, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT LANDED AT THE FRANKLIN, PA AIRPORT AFTER ENCOUNTERING FOG. AFTER MAKING SEVERAL PHONE CALLS AND REMAINING ON THE GROUND FOR ABOUT 37 MINUTES HE DEPARTED. ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER THE AIRCRAFT WAS SEEN CIRCLING AT A LOW ALTITUDE, FLYING IN AND OUT OF THE CLOUDS. THE ENGINE WAS HEARD RUNNING AT FULL POWER AND REDUCED POWER. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED IN A FIELD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8318L](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8318L-1991-04-08), registration cancelled 1991-04-08, S/N 288116122 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-161
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-161](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-161) (registry code 7102803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-8116122
- Airframe hours: 4137
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Beaver Aviation
- Registered owner: Beaver Aviation Service
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, November 4, 1987, 37 hours before
- Departed: FRANKLIN, PA
- Destination: NIAGARA FALLS, NY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 99 total, 7 in this make and model, 39 as pilot in command, 42 in the last 90 days, 31 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 290° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 700 ft broken

## 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 19871114064849A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871114064849A), Nov 14, 1987: Piper PA28161, Spartansburg, PA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Lost control of aircraft in poor visibility. Crashed in an open field. Wreckage indicates aircraft was in a spin.

## Other investigations on N8318L (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 NYC85LA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA069), Feb 21, 1985: Piper PA-28-161 (N8318L), Beaver Falls, PA, substantial damage

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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