# NTSB NYC88FA229: Piper PA-28R-201, N3478M, Pomfret, CT, August 28, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 27, 1988, 22:24 local (Aug 28, 1988, 02:24 UTC)
- Place: Pomfret, CT
- Location: 41.8976° N, 71.9626° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Pomfret, CT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.8976&lon=-71.9626&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed, report January 24, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36013
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC88FA229
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36013/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88FA229

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, descent
  - weather evaluation - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - vfr flight into imc - continued, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - clouds (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - low ceiling (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - spiral - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
  - spatial disorientation, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PIPER ARROW PA-28R-201, HAD ASKED ATC FOR VECTORS TO WINDAM AIRPORT. AFTER BEING VECTORED THE PILOT REQUESTED HIS DISTANCE FROM THE AIRPORT. HE WAS TOLD THAT HE WAS 12 MILES FROM THE AIRPORT, THE PILOT THEN DECIDED TO DESCEND. ATC ADVISED THE PILOT TO DESCEND AT PILOTS DESCRETION AND TO MAINTAIN VFR. RADAR CONTACT WAS LOST AT ABOUT 2100 FEET. WHEN ATC TRIED TO CONTACT THE PILOT AND ADVISE HIM THAT RADAR CONTACT HAD BEEN LOST, THERE WAS NO REPLY. WEATHER IN THE AREA WAS IMC AND THE PILOT WAS NOT INSTRUMENT RATED. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED IN A WOODED AREA, IN AN ALMOST VERTICAL ATTITUDE. NOTHING WAS FOUND TO INDICATE ANY MALFUNCTION OF THE AIRCRAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3478M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3478M-2012-10-03), registration cancelled 2012-10-03, S/N 28R-7837116, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-201
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-201](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-201) (registry code 7102816) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7837116
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert Silver
- Registered owner: Robert Silver
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: EEN, KEENE, NH
- Destination: 5B0, WINDHAM ARPT, CT

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 122 total, 97 in this make and model, 24 as pilot in command, 19 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 160° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,300 ft overcast
- Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BDL, 25 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 19880827035319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880827035319A), Aug 27, 1988: Piper PA28R201, Willimantic, CT, Destroyed, 4 fatal. Lost control in clouds, fog and haze at night while descending with vectors to airport. Near vertical tree impact.

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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