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April 3, 1988 · Piper PA-32R-301T PA-32R-301 · N8171P
Middlesboro, KY
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 3, 1988
Injury Outcomes
7 injuries (7 fatalities)
Location
Middlesboro, KY
Aircraft
Piper PA-32R-301T PA-32R-301
Tail Number
N8171P
Operator
Cox Manufacturing
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL88FA136
THE PLT RECEIVED PREFLT WX BRIEFING THAT STATED VFR FLT WAS NOT RECOMMENDED DUE TO LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM AFFECTING PROPOSED FLT PATH. WX FORECAST INCLUDED TORNADOES, HAIL, THUNDERSTORMS TO 42,000', MODERATE RIME ICING, MODERATE TURBULENCE, WIND GUSTS TO 70 KTS, LOW CEILINGS AND POOR VISIBILITY. THE FLT DEPARTED VFR AND THE WRECKAGE WAS LOCATED 5 DAYS LATER IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. THE ACFT HAD COLLIDED WITH A MOUNTAIN AT APPROX 2,900' MSL. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL OR STRUCTURAL MALFUNCTIONS PRIOR TO THE IMPACT.
Full Narrative
THE PLT RECEIVED PREFLT WX BRIEFING THAT STATED VFR FLT WAS NOT RECOMMENDED DUE TO LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM AFFECTING PROPOSED FLT PATH. WX FORECAST INCLUDED TORNADOES, HAIL, THUNDERSTORMS TO 42,000', MODERATE RIME ICING, MODERATE TURBULENCE, WIND GUSTS TO 70 KTS, LOW CEILINGS AND POOR VISIBILITY. THE FLT DEPARTED VFR AND THE WRECKAGE WAS LOCATED 5 DAYS LATER IN MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. THE ACFT HAD COLLIDED WITH A MOUNTAIN AT APPROX 2,900' MSL. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL OR STRUCTURAL MALFUNCTIONS PRIOR TO THE IMPACT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32R-301T PA-32R-301
Tail NumberN8171P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorCox Manufacturing
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-S1AD · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary7 injuries (7 fatalities)
Fatal7
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total7
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 8 kt
Visibility2 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 61 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time20:50