# NTSB NYC92FA139: Piper PA-28-235, N56692, Honesdale, PA, August 1, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: August 1, 1992, 15:50 local (19:50 UTC)
- Place: Honesdale, PA
- Coordinates: 41.56966, -75.249931 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.5697&lon=-75.2499&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report October 15, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37067
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC92FA139
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37067/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92FA139

## Probable cause

A LOSS OF CONTROL IN FLIGHT DUE TO PILOT INCAPACITATION AS A RESULT OF A HEART ATTACK.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach
  - aircraft control - uncontrolled, pilot in command (cause)
  - incapacitation(cardiovascular), pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, approach

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE WAS OBSERVED TO ENTER THE TRAFFIC PATTERN ON AN UPWIND LEG, THEN TURN LEFT ON THE CROSSWIND LEG. HOWEVER, IT REMAINED IN THE TURN WHICH INCREASED IN BANK, AND IT STARTED TO DESCEND. NO CHANGE IN POWER WAS HEARD AS THE AIRPLANE CONTINUED TO TURN AND DESCEND. IT STRUCK THE GROUND IN A LEFT WING LOW ATTITUDE AFTER COMPLETING OVER 180 DEG OF TURN. THE PILOT WAS BEING TREATED FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. IN ADDITION, THE AUTOPSY REVEALED EXTENSIVE CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE AND EVIDENCE OF PREVIOUS HEART ATTACKS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N56692](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N56692-1994-01-28), registration cancelled 1994-01-28, S/N 287410024 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-235
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-235) (registry code 7102810) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7410024
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B4B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John E. Cannon
- Registered owner: Cannon Air International
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: N99, WEST CHESTER, PA
- Airport: N30, Cherry Ridge

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; toxicology performed; flight hours: 420 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 14 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 50 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: AVP, 23 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 19920801028649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920801028649A), Aug 1, 1992: Piper PA28235, Honesdale, PA, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Descended into ground in vertical bank in pattern for landing. Had acute artery and heart disease and hypertension.

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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