# NTSB NYC89LA208: Piper PA-32RT-300T, N21353, Wolfeboro, NH, August 31, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 31, 1989, 11:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Wolfeboro, NH
- Location: 43.5936° N, 71.2116° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Wolfeboro, NH, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.5936&lon=-71.2116&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 17, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36473
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC89LA208
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36473/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC89LA208

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS BY THE OWNER/PILOT-IN-COMMAND (PIC), HIS FAILUE TO MAINTAIN PROPER ALTITUDE ON THE APPROACH, AND FAILURE OF THE OTHER PILOT (OWNER'S INSTRUCTOR PILOT) TO TAKE REMEDIAL ACTION. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE ADVERSE WIND CONDITIONS AND TREES NEAR THE APPROACH END OF THE RUNWAY.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach
  - weather condition - windshear (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - remedial action - not attained, other crewmember (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING AN APCH TO LAND ON RWY 30, THE OWNER/PIC INITIATED A SHORT FIELD LANDING. THE WIND WAS REPORTED TO BE FROM 300 DEG AT 15 GUSTING 25 KTS. ACCORDING TO THE OWNER, THE AIRCRAFT ENCOUNTERED WIND SHEAR ON FINAL APCH & STARTED TO SETTLE. POWER WAS ADDED, BUT THE AIRCRAFT CONTINUED TO DESCEND. SUBSEQUENTLY, IT ROLLED TO THE LEFT AS THE LEFT WING HIT TREE TOPS, THEN IT NOSED OVER & IMPACTED THE GROUND. THE OWNER'S INSTRUCTOR PILOT (CFI) WAS ABOARD, BUT THE OWNER WAS CONSIDERED TO BE THE PIC ON THIS FLT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N21353](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N21353-1992-10-23), registration cancelled 1992-10-23, S/N 32R7887201 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32RT-300T (PA-32RT-30)
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32RT-300T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32rt-300t) (registry code 7103216) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 32R-7887201
- Airframe hours: 1465
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-S1AD 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Christian Chandler
- Registered owner: Brian M Murphy
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 26, 1989, 40 hours before
- Departed: LC1, LACONIA, NH
- Destination: 8B8
- Airport: 8B8, Lakes Region, runway 30, 2,030 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 141 total, 13 in this make and model, 53 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 15 knots, gusting 25
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point -0 °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 19890831033089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890831033089A), Aug 31, 1989: Piper PA32RT300T, Wolfeboro, NH, Destroyed. Stalled on final approach during a pitch up to avoid trees after encountering a severe downdraft. Nosed into trees.

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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