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NTSB Report
February 6, 1991 · Piper PA-28R-200 · N3966X
Dutchtown, MO
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 6, 1991
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Dutchtown, MO
Aircraft
Piper PA-28R-200
Tail Number
N3966X
Operator
Louis H Sexauer
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI91FA091
THE PILOT WAS INBOUND TO THE CAPE GIRARDEAU ARPT FROM THE NORTHWEST ON A HEADING OF ABOUT 140 DEG, AND HAD RECEIVED CLEARANCE FOR THE ILS APPROACH TO RUNWAY 10 (INBOUND COURSE 104 DEGREES). RADAR DATA REVEALED THAT THE PILOT MAINTAINED A 140 DEG HEADING UNTIL RADAR CONTACT WAS LOST ABOUT 2 MILES SOUTH OF THE LOCALIZER COURSE. ALL RADIO TRANSMISSIONS WERE NORMAL. THE OUTBOARD WING SECTIONS SEPARATED FROM THE AIRFRAME PRIOR TO IMPACT. THE LEFT WINGTIP WAS LOCATED FARTHEST FROM THE MAIN WRECKAGE, AND WAS LOCATED ABOUT 600 FEET SOUTH OF THE MAIN IMPACT AREA.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE IN INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS AND THE PILOT EXCEEDING THE DESIGN STRESS LIMITS OF THE AIRPLANE DURING THE LOSS OF CONTROL. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE EXISTING WEATHER CONDITIONS.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS INBOUND TO THE CAPE GIRARDEAU ARPT FROM THE NORTHWEST ON A HEADING OF ABOUT 140 DEG, AND HAD RECEIVED CLEARANCE FOR THE ILS APPROACH TO RUNWAY 10 (INBOUND COURSE 104 DEGREES). RADAR DATA REVEALED THAT THE PILOT MAINTAINED A 140 DEG HEADING UNTIL RADAR CONTACT WAS LOST ABOUT 2 MILES SOUTH OF THE LOCALIZER COURSE. ALL RADIO TRANSMISSIONS WERE NORMAL. THE OUTBOARD WING SECTIONS SEPARATED FROM THE AIRFRAME PRIOR TO IMPACT. THE LEFT WINGTIP WAS LOCATED FARTHEST FROM THE MAIN WRECKAGE, AND WAS LOCATED ABOUT 600 FEET SOUTH OF THE MAIN IMPACT AREA.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 CST
Nearest AirportCape Girardeau Muni (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28R-200
Tail NumberN3966X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorLouis H Sexauer
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-C1C · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 11 kt
Visibility2 sm
CeilingOvercast 400 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:40
Weather SourceWFAC