# NTSB SEA93LA003: Piper PA-28-180, N32889, Powell, WY, October 3, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 2, 1992, 18:15 local (Oct 3, 1992, 00:15 UTC)
- Place: Powell, WY
- Coordinates: 44.790298, -108.7304 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.7903&lon=-108.7304&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 14, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 42947
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA93LA003
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/42947/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA93LA003

## Probable cause

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO ASSURE CLEARANCE FROM THE RADIO TOWER. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE MARKED TOWER AND THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tower(marked) (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT IN COMMAND ADVISED ACQUAINTANCES THAT HE INTENDED TO FLY OVER THEIR RESIDENCE ON THE AFTERNOON OF THE ACCIDENT. WITNESSES REPORTED OBSERVING THE AIRCRAFT FLYING LOW AND IN A LEFT TURN JUST BEFORE IT CRASHED. WRECKAGE DISTRIBUTION WAS ORIENTED ALONG A 180 DEGREE BEARING LINE 635 TO 650 FEET SOUTH OF A 210 FOOT HIGH, MARKED RADIO TOWER WITHIN A MILE OF THE ACQUAINTANCES' RESIDENCE. IMPACT DAMAGE ON THE TOWER AND AIRCRAFT ESTABLISHED THAT THE AIRCRAFT'S LEFT WING LEADING EDGE COLLIDED WITH THE TOWER AT A POINT 20 FEET BELOW THE TOP OF THE TOWER. THE OUTBOARD SECTION OF LEFT WING SEPARATED FROM THE AIRCRAFT AND WAS FOUND APPROXIMATELY 113 FEET SOUTH SOUTHWEST OF THE TOWER BASE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N32889](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N32889-1993-03-26), registration cancelled 1993-03-26, S/N 287505101 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7505101
- Airframe hours: 4182
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Hawkins & Powers Flight Svc, doing business as Powell Aviation
- Registered owner: Hawkins & Powers Flight Svc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 10, 1992, 24 hours before
- Departed: GEY, GREYBULL, WY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; toxicology performed; flight hours: 212 total, 74 in this make and model, 170 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 18 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: COD, 16 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 19921002040069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19921002040069A), Oct 2, 1992: Piper PA28180, Powell, WY, Destroyed, 1 fatal. Struck a radio tower and crashed while flying low in area of friends residence. 200 foot towers plainly visible.

## Other investigations on N32889 (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 FTW78FPD23](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW78FPD23-201229), Jul 7, 1978: Piper J5A (N32889), Flower Mound, TX, 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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