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NTSB Report
July 9, 1989 · Piper PA-24-250 · N5379P
Medicine Lodge, KS
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 9, 1989
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Location
Medicine Lodge, KS
Aircraft
Piper PA-24-250
Tail Number
N5379P
Operator
Dale Matthew
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
MKC89FA156
A WITNESS RPRTD THAT HE HEARD THE ACFT FLY OVER HIS HOUSE FROM WEST TO EAST, SO HE & HIS FAMILY WENT OUT ONTO THE DECK ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE HOUSE. THE ACFT THEN APCHD THE HOUSE FROM THE EAST AT LOW ALTITUDE. AS THE ACFT WENT OVER THE HOUSE AGAIN, ITS RIGHT WING HIT THE TOP OF AN ATTACHED TV ANTENNA, APRX 48 FT ABOVE THE GROUND. THE ACFT THEN CRASHED ABOUT 1650 FT FROM THE HOUSE.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT MISJUDGED CLEARANCE ABOVE A HOUSE (RESIDENCE) THAT HE WAS BUZZING AND ALLOWED THE AIRCRAFT TO COLLIDE WITH THE ATTACHED ANTENNA.
Full Narrative
A WITNESS RPRTD THAT HE HEARD THE ACFT FLY OVER HIS HOUSE FROM WEST TO EAST, SO HE & HIS FAMILY WENT OUT ONTO THE DECK ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE HOUSE. THE ACFT THEN APCHD THE HOUSE FROM THE EAST AT LOW ALTITUDE. AS THE ACFT WENT OVER THE HOUSE AGAIN, ITS RIGHT WING HIT THE TOP OF AN ATTACHED TV ANTENNA, APRX 48 FT ABOVE THE GROUND. THE ACFT THEN CRASHED ABOUT 1650 FT FROM THE HOUSE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:45 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-24-250
Tail NumberN5379P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorDale Matthew
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-A1C5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Fatal3
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 33 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 12 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:50
Weather SourceWFAC