# NTSB NYC92FA078: Piper PA-28R-200, N16540, Narrows, VA, April 12, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: April 12, 1992, 13:50 local (17:50 UTC)
- Place: Narrows, VA
- Coordinates: 37.330718, -80.79914 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3307&lon=-80.7991&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 4 fatal
- Status: Completed, report June 11, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37057
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC92FA078
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37057/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92FA078

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S DECISION TO ATTEMPT VFR FLIGHT INTO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND THE SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF AIRPLANE CONTROL.  FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE PILOT'S LACK OF AN INSTRUMENT RATING, AND HIS DISREGARD OF FORCASTED ADVERSE WEATHER ALONG THE ROUTE OF FLIGHT.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - thunderstorm (cause)
  - weather evaluation - improper, pilot in command
  - flight into known adverse weather - attempted, pilot in command
  - lack of total instrument time, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to reverse direction

## Analysis

AN INTENSE THUNDERSTORM WAS REPORTED IN THE AREA OF THE ACCIDENT.  ATC RADAR DATA SHOWED THE AIRPLANE FLYING AT LOW ALTITUDE ABOVE THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN.  THE AIRPLANE MADE A SHARP TURN AND LOST ALTITUDE. THE PILOT WAS NOT INSTRUMENT RATED.  AN EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE AND ENGINE REVEALED NO DISCREPANCIES.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N16540](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N16540-1992-08-27), registration cancelled 1992-08-27, S/N 28R7335161 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-200
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-200) (registry code 7102811) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R-7335161
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1C 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Dragon Rider Corp
- Registered owner: Dragon Rider Corp
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 3, 1991
- Departed: INT, WINSTON-SALEM, NC
- Destination: 177, CINCINNATI, OH

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 68; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 623 total, 340 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Temperature: 57 °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 19920412039429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920412039429A), Apr 12, 1992: Piper PA28R200, Narrows, VA, Destroyed, 4 fatal. Flew into known area of thunderstorms. Lost control. Dived into a cloud obscured mountain top. VFR not recommended.

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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