# NTSB NYC92LA142: Piper PA-12, N4280M, Green Creek, NJ, August 5, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 5, 1992, 11:26 local (15:26 UTC)
- Place: Green Creek, NJ
- Location: 39.0462° N, 74.9013° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Green Creek, NJ, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.0462&lon=-74.9013&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report August 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37191
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC92LA142
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37191/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92LA142

## Probable cause

THE PILOT DIVERTED HIS ATTENTION FROM FLYING THE AIRPLANE AND DID NOT MAINTAIN A VISUAL LOOKOUT, WHICH RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH TREES.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command
  - diverted attention, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT MADE A LOW PASS FLY BY PRIOR TO PICKING UP A BANNER, FOR THE PURPOSE OF DROPPING A WRITTEN MESSAGE TO THE GROUND PERSONNEL.  AFTER DROPPING THE MESSAGE THE PILOT LOOKED BACK TO SEE WHERE THE MESSAGE LANDED AND THE AIRPLANE STRUCK TREES ALONG HIS FLIGHT PATH.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4280M](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4280M), registered now, S/N 12-3208, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-12
- Registry model: [Piper PA-12](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-12) (registry code 7101202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 4982-21
- Airframe hours: 6816
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Operator: Paramount Air Service Inc.
- Registered owner: Paramount Air Service Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 9, 1992, 683 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,125 total, 241 in this make and model, 1,024 as pilot in command, 320 in the last 90 days, 105 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 280° at 8 knots, gusting 14
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 20,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19920805029129A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920805029129A), Aug 5, 1992: Piper STCPA12, Wildwood, NJ, Substantial damage. Flew low over airport to drop note prior banner pick up. Failed note trees and struck same. Blamed downdraft.

## Other investigations on N4280M (1)

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.

- [NTSB NYC71FHD20](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC71FHD20), Aug 18, 1970: Piper PA-12 (N4280M), Cape May C.Hse, NJ, substantial damage

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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