# NTSB SEA85FA028: Piper PA-44-180, N2104D, Gig Harbor, WA, December 9, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: December 9, 1984, 05:17 local (13:17 UTC)
- Place: Gig Harbor, WA
- Coordinates: 47.290706, -122.620887 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.2907&lon=-122.6209&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40022
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA85FA028
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40022/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA85FA028

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - flight into known adverse weather - initiated, pilot in command (cause)
  - became lost/disoriented - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - snow covered
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - overconfidence in personal ability, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PLT DEPARTED IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS FROM SALEM, OR, DESTINED FOR GIG HARBOR. UPON ARRIVAL IN THE DESTINATION AREA THE PLT WAS IN RADIO CONTACT WITH SEATTLE APCON. THE PLT REPORTED HE WAS UNABLE TO AQUIRE VISUAL CONTACT WITH THE ARPT. VECTORS WERE PROVIDED BY CONTROLLERS. RADAR INFO OBTAINED DURING THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE ACFT WAS IN A CONSISTENT DESCENT WITH THE LOWEST ALT READING BEING 300 FT MSL. THE LAST RADAR TARGET RECEIVED SHOWED THE ACFT WITHIN 1000 FT OF THE HIGH VOLTAGE TRANSMISSION LINE AT 600 FT. THE WEATHER WAS DESCRIBED AS BEING FOGGY NEAR THE ACCIDENT SITE AREA. THE PLT WAS NOT INSTRUMENT RATED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2104D](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2104D-2012-08-24), registration cancelled 2012-08-24, S/N 44-7995129, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-44-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-44-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-44-180) (registry code 7104402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 447995129
- Airframe hours: 1249
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-E1A6D 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Gary J. Barlow
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 14, 1984, 119 hours before
- Departed: SLE, SALEM, OR
- Destination: TIW, TACOMA, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 414 total, 20 in this make and model, 364 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Temperature: 32 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TCM, 10 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 19841209075909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841209075909A), Dec 9, 1984: Piper PA44180, Gig Harbor, WA, Destroyed. Attempted VFR approach to tacoma industrial airport in very poor weather. Struck high power transmission lines.

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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