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NTSB Report
July 23, 1988 · Piper PA-28-180 · N7942N
Winston-Salem, NC
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 23, 1988
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Location
Winston-Salem, NC
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N7942N
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ATL88FA219
N7942N CRASHED INTO A BUILDING SHORTLY AFTER LIFTOFF FROM RUNWAY 21. THE PILOT WAS CLEARED FOR A LEFT TURNOUT OVER RUNWAY 33. A WITNESS ESTIMATED THAT THE AIRPLANE HAD REACHED 300 FEET WHEN THE PILOT LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED. THE INVESTIGATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. THE AIRPLANE WAS ESTIMATED TO HAVE BEEN OVER ITS DESIGNED GROSS WEIGHT FOR FLIGHT, AND WAS ALSO OUTSIDE THE FORWARD C.G. LIMITS.
Full Narrative
N7942N CRASHED INTO A BUILDING SHORTLY AFTER LIFTOFF FROM RUNWAY 21. THE PILOT WAS CLEARED FOR A LEFT TURNOUT OVER RUNWAY 33. A WITNESS ESTIMATED THAT THE AIRPLANE HAD REACHED 300 FEET WHEN THE PILOT LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED. THE INVESTIGATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. THE AIRPLANE WAS ESTIMATED TO HAVE BEEN OVER ITS DESIGNED GROSS WEIGHT FOR FLIGHT, AND WAS ALSO OUTSIDE THE FORWARD C.G. LIMITS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:21 EDT
Nearest AirportSmith Reynolds (0nm N)
Runway21
Runway Length3938 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN7942N
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary4 injuries (4 fatalities)
Fatal4
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsUnknown
LightDark Night
Wind170° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time01:21
Weather SourceWFAC