# NTSB NYC93LA002: Piper PA-28R-200, N9242K, Akron, NY, October 2, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 2, 1992, 19:57 local (23:57 UTC)
- Place: Akron, NY
- Coordinates: 43.010929, -78.489578 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.0109&lon=-78.4896&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report August 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37246
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC93LA002
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37246/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC93LA002

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO COMPENSATE FOR ADVERSE WINDS AND WIND SHEAR. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE ADVERSE WIND CONDITIONS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - weather condition - unfavorable wind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - windshear (contributing factor)
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS CONDUCTING A VFR LANDING ON RUNWAY 24.  THE REPORTED WIND WAS FROM 250 DEGREES AT 22 KNOTS WITH GUSTS TO 32 KNOTS.  THE PILOT SAID, 'I WAS APPROACHING IN A STANDARD AND NORMAL MANNER...ABOUT TWO MILES...I HAD A VISUAL ON THE AIRPORT. ON FINAL DESCENT MY FLIGHT SPEED WAS APPROXIMATELY 110 MPH...AT AN ALTITUDE OF APPROXIMATELY 1100 TO 1000 FEET, A SUDDEN CHANGE IN THE WIND FORCED MY AIRPLANE TO DROP.  I HAD NO OPPORTUNITY TO REACT.'  THE AIRPLANE STRUCK TREES SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. THE FAA INSPECTOR SAID, '...IT APPEARS THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED AND ALTITUDE FOR THE WIND CONDITIONS.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9242K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9242K-1994-06-27), registration cancelled 1994-06-27, S/N 28R7635228 (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-7635228
- Airframe hours: 2110
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1C 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Robert S. Gordy
- Registered owner: Robert S. Gordy
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 27, 1992, 10 hours before
- Departed: ORF, NORFOLK, VA
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: 9G3, Akron, runway 24, 3,310 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 782 total, 323 in this make and model, 642 as pilot in command, 16.5 in the last 90 days, 11.5 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 250° at 22 knots, gusting 32
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 57 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 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 19921002040159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921002040159A), Oct 2, 1992: Piper PA28R200, Akron, NY, Substantial damage. Gusty surface wind. High sink rate unchecked caused impact into trees. Indicates failure maintain airspeed for wind

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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