# NTSB NYC88LA098: Piper PA-28-160, N83459, West Dover, VT, February 29, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 29, 1988, 15:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: West Dover, VT
- Location: 42.9271° N, 72.8657° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at DEERFIELD VALLEY RGNL (4V8), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.9271&lon=-72.8657&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 7, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36110
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC88LA098
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36110/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA098

## Sequence of events

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

- Undershoot, landing - flare/touchdown
  - proper touchdown point - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
  - planned approach - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - snowbank (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PA-28 LANDED SHORT OF THE RUNWAY AND STRUCK A SNOWBANK RECEIVING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE PILOT WHEN INTERVIEWED BY THE FAA SAID THE ENGINE DID NOT MISS AND WASN'T CUTTING OUT AND THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO 'TAKE THE MAJORITY OF THE BLAME'. ON NTSB FORM 6120.1, HE SAID THE ENGINE WAS MISSING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N83459](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N83459-2013-11-12), registration cancelled 2013-11-12, S/N 28-8116169, built 1981 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-160
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-161](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-161) (registry code 7102803) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-8116169
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D3G 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Columbia Aviation
- Registered owner: Wyoming Valley
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: WBW, WILKES BARRE, PA
- Airport: 4V8, Mount Snow, runway 19, 2,650 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 185 total, 29 in this make and model, 150 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 19 °F

## 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 19880229004029A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19880229004029A), Feb 29, 1988: Piper PA28161, West Dover, VT, Substantial damage. Landed short of runway and hit a snowbank. Pilot reported windshear and severe downdraft on final,also rough engine

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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